Commercial tricycle operators, popularly known as Pragya riders, staged a massive protest in Kumasi on Thursday, November 20, 2025, decrying what they described as ongoing harassment, extortion, and unfair restrictions imposed by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA).
Hundreds of riders abandoned their tricycles and crowded the streets of the Ashanti Regional capital, blocking colleagues from working and compelling many to join the demonstration. The protest, dubbed ‘Enough is Enough,’ saw participants march through major thoroughfares, waving placards and chanting for urgent government intervention.
The riders’ anger was directed at recent initiatives by the KMA, which they claimed were crippling their livelihoods. About two years ago, the assembly enforced a directive banning Pragya operations in key areas of the Central Business District (CBD), citing the need to reduce congestion and restore order. Although the tricycle operators initially complied following demonstrations and negotiations, they argue that the CBD remains congested and traffic conditions have not improved.
The protesters accused the KMA of failing to honor its commitments and questioned why they continued to be targeted, insisting that they are not to blame for ongoing congestion. Beyond the operational restrictions, riders alleged persistent harassment and extortion by some KMA city guards and police officers—claiming that officials frequently demanded money or seized their tricycles without cause.
Regional Chairman of the National Union of Tricycle Operators, Seidu Mubarak, expressed frustration over the lack of response to their repeated appeals and engagements with city authorities. According to him, their grievances have been ignored for too long.
At the end of the march, the riders presented a petition to both the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and the Ashanti Regional Minister, listing their concerns and calling for immediate intervention. The protesters issued a two-week ultimatum for authorities to address their demands or risk further demonstrations.
The Pragya riders’ protest has thrown the spotlight on the ongoing tensions between city authorities and informal transport operators in Kumasi, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions that balance urban management with the livelihoods of thousands of workers.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
