Pragya Operations Linked to Surge in Persons with Disabilities 

In a recent interview on Opemsuo Radio’s Nkwantannanso with George Adjei on August 8, Mr. Michael Owusu, a Transport and Road Safety Consultant, expressed grave concerns over the impact of tricycle (pragya) operations on road safety and public health. He indicated that these vehicles are contributing to an increase in persons with disabilities within the country.

Mr. Owusu attributed this alarming trend to the disregard for road traffic regulations by tricycle riders and their mistaken belief that tricycles are akin to bicycles, leading to risky behaviour on the roads.

He stated, “The country is intentionally creating disabilities through the use of pragya.”

When questioned about the accident-proneness of tricycles, he rated it at 9.5 out of 10, underlining the severity of the safety concerns associated with these vehicles.

While acknowledging the growing prevalence of pragya operations in Ghana, Mr. Owusu urged for the implementation of stricter regulations.

He recommended measures like imposing a minimum age requirement for tricycle riders and setting distance limits for their operations to mitigate the risks posed by these vehicles.

However, Mr. Owusu further emphasized that many tricycle drivers lack essential road safety knowledge and proper judgement, making it challenging to effectively regulate their activities and ensure road safety for all.

The recent ban on tricycle operations within the central business district in Kumasi took effect on August 1. The Kumasi  Metropolitan Assembly believes that this restriction will help alleviate congestion caused by the riders and reduce accidents, some of which have resulted in fatalities.

Story by Adwoa S. Danso