By Christine Naadu Lartey
Prampram, March 16, GNA — The National Union of Tricycle Operators of Ghana (NUTOG) has launched its Prampram chapter, dubbed the Prampram Pragya Union, aimed at improving local transport within the area.
The launch, held under the theme “Empowering Communities Through Defensive Driving,” brought together chiefs, the police, and transport officials aimed at organising the work of tricycle riders in the area.
Mr Henry Offei-Asamoah, the Founder and Chairman of the Prampram Pragia Union at the launch, gave a brief history of the group, noting that it began in 2020 with only two riders, John Akotey Maplavo and the late John Tollar.
Mr Offei-Asamoah said at that time most people did not want to use tricycles, adding that the group had since grown with currently over 70 members, helping many families earn a living.
Mr Hamza Hafiz, the National Chairman of NUTOG, said that the tricycle (auto rickshaw) business, often called “Pragia,” was now a very important part of transport in Ghana and asked the government to make clear laws for the business.
Mr Hafiz explained that since the government allows these vehicles to be imported and used by hospitals and the military, ordinary citizens should also be allowed to use them to work legally.
He called on union members to be professional and observe safety measures, adding that all riders must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid driver’s license A.
He further stressed that obtaining such a license is a personal asset that opens future employment doors beyond the tricycle industry.
Mr Hafiz said safety protocols were also reinforced, with a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of illicit drugs like marijuana or Tramadol and a mandatory requirement for all riders to wear helmets.
He urged riders to cooperate with police and security personnel rather than fleeing from them, noting that disciplined conduct was the best way to prove their professionalism to the public, and also addressed serious social concerns, such as reports of riders involved in kidnappings in other regions, stressing that it must be stopped through collective vigilance.
He admonished the 11 leaders sworn into office as part of the launch, to be honest and make sure all riders follow the rules.
The 11 executives sworn in to lead the union in the district included Mr Henry Offei-Asamoah, as the Patron/Chairman; Mr Eugene Nii Martey Charwey, President; Mr John Akoto, Station master; and Mr John Tetteh Nortey, Assistant station master.
Others are Mr Samuel Martey, secretary/treasurer; Mr Attera Awuley, adviser; Mr Joseph Tetteh Djan, porter; and Issah Habib and Eugene Sarpong, youth leaders.
Mr Charwey, the newly sworn-in president, appealed to all members to collaborate with his executive team to ensure a smooth-running union.
He also cautioned riders about upcoming political activities, advising them to listen to politicians and analyse their messages carefully but not to allow themselves to be used for illegal acts.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/ Christabel Addo