Soldiers were deployed to prevent scores of autorickshaw (Pragya) riders from reaching the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to protest against a ban on their operations.
This was after several tricycles were impounded by the KMA taskforce deployed to enforce transport restrictions within the Central Business District (CBD) on Monday (7 August).
The protesters who earlier blocked major roads leading to the CBD, later moved to the KMA premises to vent their anger on city authorities. Police officers who were deployed had to fire warning shots to disperse the demonstrators who in turn pelted them with stones and other projectiles.
At least six policemen reportedly sustained various degrees of injury while two vehicles belonging to some KMA staff were badly damaged. The situation also created a massive gridlock on the Adum-Ahodwo stretch. Calm later returned to the area following the military intervention.
A previous engagement between the KMA and the transport operatives over the directive ended inconclusively. Some of the tricycle operators said described the KMA’s decision as unfair. But the Assembly says it remains resolute in restricting the operation of commercial tricycles in the city.
“As an Assembly, we are resolute in keeping the city de-congested by restricting the operations of these tricycle riders,” said Afia Konadu the spokesperson for the KMA.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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