Twelve commercial tricycle riders have been placed under police custody by the Akropong Magistrate Court in the Ashanti Region.
This comes after a turbulent protest occurred at the premises of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) on Monday, August, 7 2023.
The riders were presented before the court on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, and formally charged for their involvement in the disturbances that resulted in the destruction of property and injuries sustained by six police officers.
The protest was triggered by the impounding of 46 tricycles, as their riders refused to adhere to new transportation restrictions imposed within the Kumasi Central Business District.
During the confrontation, law enforcement officers were met with hostility while attempting to prevent the riders from marching towards the KMA in a bid to demand the release of the confiscated tricycles.
In an interview with the media, the Head of the Transport Department at KMA, urged the “pragya” riders to address their concerns through proper channels. He encouraged them to communicate their grievances to the Chief Executive and the complaints committee, emphasizing the potential for amendments to regulations if they prove to be counterproductive to peaceful coexistence. While acknowledging the national-level illegality, Wilson highlighted the local intention to regulate transportation within the city.
The KMA Transport Convener, Kwaku Appiah, added that compliance with the directive is expected from these transport operators; otherwise, the entire city could face disruption.
The suspects are scheduled to appear in court once again on Tuesday, August 14.