Police to arrest underage 'pragya' drivers, hold owners responsible

Police in the Ashanti Region are stepping up efforts to curb the growing trend of underage riders operating commercial tricycles, locally known as ‘pragyia’.

Superintendent Mary Affanyi, Manhyia Divisional Commander of the Police MTTD, announced that the police will soon begin targeting minors engaged in the trade. She also warned that owners of these vehicles will be held liable for allowing teenagers to operate them.

Speaking at a road safety education session for 80 tricycle riders in Afigya Kwabre South District, Supt. Affanyi acknowledged that although the use of ‘pragyia’ as a commercial vehicle is not officially legal, it has provided income for many young people and helped reduce crime in some communities.

 She emphasized, however, that only individuals aged 18 and above are permitted by law to ride such vehicles.

The event also saw a major gesture from Nana Adu Gyamfi Kumanin Barima Kese I, the Nkosuohene of Nyankyerenease, who donated 80 tricycles to local youth. The donation, he explained, was aimed at tackling unemployment and creating sustainable livelihoods.

“I have personally employed over 400 people. If others with means do the same, we can collectively boost the economy,” he said, encouraging more philanthropists to support job creation. He further appealed to government to officially regulate the commercial use of tricycles.

Nana Yaw, chairman of the Hajia Sharmor Pragia Association in Kodie, pledged that their group would ensure only legal-age riders participate in the business. “We won’t allow anyone under 18 to ride a pragyia in our district,” he stated, reinforcing their commitment to road safety.