Superintendent Samuel Ntoso, the Prampram District Police Commander, has initiated a pragmatic intervention to formalise the operations of commercial auto rickshaw (Pragya) riders by bringing licensing services closer to operators and introducing a flexible payment scheme.

 Superintendent Ntoso observed that although the Pragya transport business had become an important means of mobility in rural and peri-urban communities, many operators in the district were riding without the required documentation.

Superintendent Ntoso disclosed this during the launch of the Prampram chapter of the National Union of Tricycle Operators Ghana (NUTOG).

He indicated that instead of relying solely on arrests and confrontations, the police were shifting focus to proactive regulation to improve safety and ensure legal compliance among riders.

 According to him, fewer than 10 out of about 80 Pragya operators in the Prampram area possessed the required Driver’s Licence Class A, which is mandatory for operating tricycles.

 He said the situation posed a serious road safety risk to riders, passengers and other road users, stressing the need for urgent intervention at the community level.

 He explained that he had previously encouraged the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to decentralise some of its services by bringing them closer to communities, drawing from his experience during previous postings in Dwaboso; and Sandema in the Upper East Region.

 According to the Prampram District Police Commander, sending DVLA officials to communities during market days or scheduled visits could help eliminate administrative and geographical barriers that prevented many riders from obtaining the necessary documentation.

Recognising the financial challenges faced by many operators, the District Commander also introduced a “pay small-small” savings model to support riders in meeting licensing costs.

Under the initiative, he said, riders would gradually save part of their daily earnings with trusted local bankers and community leaders.

 “When their savings reach the required amount, the DVLA will be invited to process their registration and licensing documents on-site, removing the financial burden on the young riders,” he explained.

 Superintendent Ntoso emphasised three critical requirements for all Pragya operators: valid vehicle registration, possession of a Class A driver’s licence, and comprehensive insurance coverage.

 He noted that the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) regularly recorded crashes involving tricycles, and without proper training and insurance, both riders and passengers were exposed to serious risks.

 The police commander warned that although the initiative was designed to assist operators, strict enforcement would follow for those who ignored the opportunity to regularise their operations.

 He cautioned that the grace period should not be mistaken for tolerance of illegal activities.

 “If I have spent time bringing the DVLA to you and you still refuse to do the right thing, then you have a problem with me,” he told the riders, drawing both laughter and applause from the gathering.

Superintendent Ntoso reiterated that he was prepared to enforce the law firmly, if necessary, even if it attracted criticism, to safeguard public safety.

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