We’re not in a Banana State – KMA to Pragya Riders

In an interview on Opemsuo Radio’s Nkwantannanso with George Adjei on August 8, Mr. Randy Wilson, Head of Transport at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) made it clear that tricycle (pragya) riders should adhere to the directives of the KMA, emphasizing that Ghana is a nation governed by laws, not a banana state.

According to him, instead of approaching the KMA with their concerns, the riders are busy drawing comparisons with other transportation operators like ‘trotros’ and taxis, highlighting their perceived shortcomings.

“They are essentially dictating terms to KMA. Is our country comparable to a banana state, where anyone can act without consequences, insisting on doing something only if their conditions are met?”

He went on to elaborate that the main hurdle the assembly has encountered with the Transport Reorganisation project is the reluctance of tricycle riders to comply with KMA’s directive to avoid operating within the central business district.

“Rather than advising their members to respect the law, their leadership seems more interested in challenging KMA’s authority. They are urging KMA to address the issues related to other transport operators first, instead of encouraging their own members to adhere to regulations,” he said.

The recent ban on tricycle operations within areas like Kejetia, Adum, Alabar, and Dr. Mensah took effect on August 1.

Enforcement of the ban earlier this week resulted in the impoundment of 46 tricycles for violating the restriction. This sparked strong opposition from riders who staged protests and converged at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) demanding the release of the seized tricycles.

The incident led to property damage at the KMA office and injuries to six police officers.

Story by Adwoa S. Danso