Scores of auto-rickshaw operators in the Old Tafo Municipality of the Ashanti Region have suspended operations starting today, Tuesday, November 23.
The tricycle riders who operate on the Tafo 4 Miles-Mampongteng road hit the streets to protest what they describe as rampant police intimidation on that stretch.
They further accuse the police of effecting unnecessary arrest and sometimes extort money from them, throwing their daily sales off gear.
One of the protesters said: “They make unnecessary arrest. Sometimes you may have all your documents intact yet these officers will arrest you. We are sick and tired”.
“A police officer collected all my daily sales accusing me of breaching road traffic regulations. Instead of he taking me to court, he decided to collect my money; because I wanted to settle the matter and continue business, I handed over all my daily sales to him. This is our source of livelihood and it is sad should this continue”, another said.
The protest caused a gridlock on the Tafo-Mampongten stretch, triggering police action. It is expected that passengers would bear the brunt following the protest.
Known in southern Ghana as “Pragya”, rickshaw business has become a lucrative job for majority of the youth. In recent times these riders have become targeted following recent robberies on the country’s roads.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
Email Daily Mail GH: stories@dailymailgh.com or
Whatsapp: +233(0)509928122
