Nkwantakesehene calls for regulation of Pragyia operations amid rising road accidents

Nana Boakye Yam Ababio, the Nkwantakesehene, has appealed for stricter regulation of tricycle operations, popularly known as Pragyia, across the Ashanti Region, citing growing concerns about road safety and the rising number of accidents involving these vehicles.

The traditional leader made the call during a meeting of the Kumasi Traditional Council, which he chaired in the absence of the Asantehene. Addressing the Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, on Friday, June 12, Nana Boakye expressed concern over what he described as the disorderly manner in which tricycle operators conduct their activities in communities.

According to him, the absence of effective regulation has contributed to reckless behaviour among some operators, resulting in frequent accidents and posing a threat to public safety.

He stressed that introducing a formal regulatory framework would help bring discipline into the sector, ensure adherence to safety standards and hold offending operators accountable through appropriate sanctions.

The meeting was attended by the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyeman, as well as regional and municipal officials and representatives from the health sector.

Nana Boakye described the conduct of some Pragyia operators as worrying and cautioned that the situation could deteriorate if urgent measures are not taken.

“Is there no regulatory body in the country that can control the operations of these people? I will urge the Honourable Minister and the Kumasi Mayor, if they can get a taskforce to control them so that the frequent incidents of accidents in the town can be minimized,” he stated.

His appeal adds to growing calls from stakeholders for tighter oversight of tricycle transport services, which have become a major mode of transportation in many parts of the Ashanti Region and across the country.