The leaders of the Pragyia Drivers Association in Kumasi have expressed their intention to take legal action against the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) regarding the restriction on their operation within the Central Business District (CBD).
The directive forms part of KMA’s efforts to address the growing issue of indiscipline among tricycle riders and alleviate congestion in the CBD.
But the leaders of the Pragyia Drivers Association think otherwise and believe that seeking interpretation from the court will bring finality to the issue.
Mohammed Alhanssan, the leader of the Pragyia Drivers Association, holds the assertion that the assembly’s decision amounts to discriminatory practices in the transport industry.
He emphasized that tricycles, like any other registered motor vehicles, hold legal permission from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to operate within the city, hence the need for legal redress.
“The KMA decision to ban tricycles from operating in some parts of the city is discriminatory so we are seeking legal interpretation at court and also to stop the KMA on their decision,” he said on Otec FM.
He added that “the KMA should rather ban ‘trotro’ vehicles and long vehicles from entering and operating in the CBD if they want to decongest the city”.
Meanwhile, KMA’s directive which was originally scheduled to commence on June 15, has been postponed to an undisclosed date to allow for further consultations with transport unions.
“We realized that the education took a bit longer, so the directive, which was scheduled to take effect on the 15th, cannot take effect. We are still in the process of sensitization,” Public Relations Officer (PRO) of KMA, Henrietta Afia Konadu Aboagye told the media.
The assembly’s transport department and the MTTD will enforce the directive by being present at various checkpoints once it comes into force.
“The recalcitrant ones who will force their way into the CBD will have their vehicles impounded and taken to the Central Police Station or the assembly’s towing site, where they will be fined,” Henrietta Afia Konadu Aboagye added.