Ban on tricycles takes effect today, NDC kicks against it claiming it is illegal
The directive from Greater Accra Regional Minister banning tricycles known in local parlance as “aboboyaa” from plying the Accra-Tema motorway route takes effect from today November 1, 2021.
However, the Minority in Parliament, is against the directive, saying the regional minister is overstepping his bounds and does not have the right to issue such a directive.
More of such directives will be in the offing by February 2022 billed to move all tricycles from Accra’s highways.
The Minister in answering his critics indicated to them that there are parts of the constitution that gives the district assemblies the powers to carry out such actions
To the Minister, the tricycles pose hazards, especially on the highways.
He also complained that “Aside from them [aboboyaa riders] not having drivers’ licenses, the cycles are not properly insured. They dump refuse anyhow in the middle of the road”.
This restriction on motorcycles and tricycles in essence is part of the making Accra work agenda.
For flouters of this directive, after they have impounded your bike, you will have to explain why your bike should not be disposed off.
However, the Minority Caucus in Parliament is on a different road with the Ranking Member of the Transport Committee in Parliament, Governs Agbodza claiming the ban lacks legal backing.
But according to Mr Quartey, the assemblies under which this restriction falls within including the La Dadekotopon, Tema West, Ashiaman and Adentan Assemblies have all endorsed the restriction.
“They [District Assemblies] are exercising their legislative and executive powers saying that Aboboyaa is a nuisance and they pose risks on the motorway,” Mr Quartey said during an interview.
“My good brother Agbodza should avert his mind to Artice 241,” he added.
The use of tricycles is gradually becoming part of Ghana’s transport system which started from the hinterlands for use to the farms.
However, it is also becoming an extremely popular option for refuse dumping, sachet water ferrying and other transports services within the cities.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
