The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) is steadfast in its determination to enforce the ban on tricycle usage, commonly referred to as “aboboya,” within the central business district of Kumasi. Despite facing opposition from tricycle operators, the KMA has vowed to continue its crackdown on the practice.
The enforcement of the tricycle ban commenced on July 25, triggering a series of clashes between the KMA and operators who vehemently resisted the ban. The situation escalated on August 1 when more than ten defiant tricycle operators were arrested. This led to a confrontation between the metropolitan police and the operators, resulting in heightened tensions.
Randy Wilson, the head of transport at the KMA, reemphasized the Assembly’s commitment to curbing tricycle activities within the central business district. In an interview with Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Wilson highlighted the disruptive impact of tricycle operations on business activities and revealed the Assembly’s intention to intensify its efforts. He stated, “The exercise is not stopping anytime soon, and the security apparatus is rather beefing up its activities because we have intelligence that the tricycle operators are planning to mass up tomorrow to fight the authorities.”
Regarding the tricycles that have been seized as part of the crackdown, Wilson clarified that they will not be returned to their owners at this time. The KMA is considering using some of the confiscated tricycles as evidence in potential court proceedings. “No decision has been made on the release of the tricycles because some of them will be used as evidence in court, and so we are still waiting for instructions from the mayor and coordinating director as to what to do next. In the meantime, we still have the tricycles,” Wilson explained.
The ongoing confrontation between law enforcement and tricycle operators took a grim turn when a scuffle on Tuesday resulted in the injury of six police officers. The situation underscores the challenges faced by the KMA in its bid to enforce the tricycle ban, while also highlighting the escalating tensions between the authorities and the operators.
Source:citinewsroom
