Dormaa East Assembly, Police engage Pragyia riders on road safety and compliance

A stakeholders’ engagement involving Pragyia riders, executives and owners of the Pragyia Association, representatives of the Dormaa East District Assembly and the Police Command has been held at the Roman Catholic Church in Wamfie to promote road safety and responsible operations.

The meeting, held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, sought to educate riders and owners on the laws governing the ownership and operation of Pragyia machines, while encouraging compliance with road traffic regulations.

Addressing participants, the new Police Commander, ASP Dery Philip, urged owners to entrust their machines only to licensed riders who are 18 years and above.

He stressed that both owners and riders could be held accountable for violations of the law and advised owners to provide secure parking spaces for their machines. Riders were also encouraged to use designated parking areas to minimise the risk of theft.

ASP Philip cautioned riders against stopping at prohibited locations, speeding and careless riding. He urged them to remain within their lanes and exercise caution to protect passengers, pedestrians and other road users.

He further warned riders against using narcotic drugs or intoxicating substances while operating their machines and advised them not to transport stolen property or facilitate criminal activities.

The Police Commander also encouraged riders to maintain a neat and professional appearance, save part of their earnings and cultivate good relationships with machine owners.

He said responsible conduct and strict compliance with road traffic regulations were essential to ensuring road safety and sustaining the livelihoods of Pragyia operators.

The District Coordinating Director, Mr. Raphel Dodzi Sorkpor, commended the Pragyia Association for organising the engagement and thanked the Police Commander for the education provided.

Mr. Sorkpor stressed the importance of accurate data to effective planning and urged all Pragyia owners to register their machines with the District Assembly.

He said the registration would enable the Assembly to determine the exact number of Pragyia machines operating within the district and develop appropriate interventions for the sector.

On revenue mobilisation, Mr. Sorkpor disclosed that each Pragyia rider is required to pay an annual fee of GH¢50, after which a sticker would be issued as proof of payment.

He also announced plans by the Assembly to construct a roadside pavement from the courthouse to the GOIL filling station. According to him, the facility would provide adequate space for Pragyia riders to park and create a safer environment for passengers to alight.

Participants were also taken through offences associated with Pragyia operations and the potential penalties for breaches of road traffic regulations.

These include operating a Pragyia without a valid driving licence or number plate, which could attract 50–100 penalty units, 3–6 months imprisonment, or both.

Other violations include riding under the influence of narcotic drugs or intoxicating substances, reckless or careless driving, and unauthorised modifications to Pragyia machines, including alterations to horns and lights that produce excessive noise or intense lighting.

Riders were also cautioned against stopping or parking at critical locations such as hospital, police and Assembly junctions, which serve as emergency access routes.

The use of loudspeakers to play music at excessive volumes while operating the machines, failure to renew vehicle registration upon expiration and other breaches of road traffic regulations were also highlighted as offences.

The engagement ended with a call for Pragyia owners and riders to strictly observe road traffic regulations and operate responsibly.

Stakeholders pledged to continue working with the District Assembly and Police Command to improve compliance, enhance road safety and promote more organised and accountable Pragyia operations within the district.