The operation of tricycles, popularly called Pragya, for commercial purposes, can be said to be toddlers compared to commercial motorcycles, best known as Okada. The latter has been with us for well over 12 years. 

The level of havoc both unleash on us as road users is at a competing level though, with Okada showing its level and outdoing Pragya when it comes to impurities.

When therefore a couple of weeks ago I saw in some sectors of the news that tricycle operations in parts of the Greater-Accra Region were about to be restricted, I asked myself, so how about okada? They are by far the worst offenders when it comes to recklessness and lawlessness on our roads.

News

As per some news sources nearly a couple of days ago, the Greater-Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) has taken a decision restricting the activities of pragya operators within the Central Business District (CBD).

According to reports, the GARCC’s decision to restrict operations of Pragya is also a result of the “cry of the people” following the disorderly and indiscriminate parking they engage in causing danger to motorists. It is also alleged that they often disrespect the road traffic regulations thus becoming a threat to themselves and other road users.

These pragya drivers are seen carrying passengers and their goods with no kind of protection. Sometimes one sees passengers dangerously standing in upright positions in the carriers.

Per the information put out regarding the restrictions of their operations in the CBD, one gets the sense that the whole business of the very existence of tricycle operations became legal from day one unlike the business of commercial motorcycles which were outlawed by Part IV, section 128 of the Road Traffic Regulations 2009. 

Could it be, therefore, that a favourable legal status of tricycles right from day one would have emboldened them to be that daring in their operations and thus causing mayhem all over and especially in the Central Business areas?

Whatever the case, maybe the authorities are learning hard lessons. For just as one sat down over a decade ago, unconcerned and allowed okada operations to overtake us and invade our streets, care is being taken for the tricycles also not to overtake us. If that is the case, then some of us will fully support any move to regulate their operations, for once bitten, they say, is twice shy.

Havoc

As far back as July 13, 2011, I wrote about the havoc Okada operations were causing on our roads in an article entitled: “STOP OKADA: THEY ARE UNLEASHING HAVOC”. Despite clear road traffic regulations, they were not adhering to any such, thus causing danger to all road users. 

They would knock down rear-view mirrors and scratch vehicles as they squeezed through narrow spaces in traffic and then speed off.

They were causing serious injuries to pedestrians and sometimes knocking people down and killing some. Sometimes, at traffic intersections, they ride with impunity jumping traffic lights even when police officers were stationed to keep order. Nothing has changed over a decade now.

As for riding on the opposite sides of the road, sometimes coming face to face with on-coming vehicles, it is their trade-in stock. So with all the worrying statistics the police or National Roads Commission sometimes share with the general public about the conduct of motorcycle operators on our roads and the worry of road users, why have the Assemblies not been successful in restricting the work of these okadas in the CBD, at least?

From the recent decision to restrict pragya operations in areas such as Krowor, Korle Klottey, Tema, La Dade Kotopon, La Nkwantanang, Madina Ayawaso East, West, Central and Ayawaso North, Ledzokuku, Okaikwei North and Adentan Municipality, could same not have been applied to commercial motorcyclists?

What puzzles the mind is that after all these years of operating recklessly, someone now has the power to announce restrictions and further request Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to sensitise the public and subsequently pass a bye-law to promote the implementation of the resolutions.

To make the restrictions legally sound, one would have thought that based on the same complaints from the people about the nuisance of the pragya a bye-law would have been passed before the decision was taken some few days ago. Already, our statute books are filled to capacity with laws, beautiful and friendly.

However, when it comes to keeping same, failed implementation becomes a headache and impunity reigns.

If Pragya is a nuisance to the people and therefore their activities are to be restricted, would it be too much to also restrict the long overdue activities of okada operations? 

I certainly think that which is good for the goose is also good for the gander. Let okada operators face the same restrictions being applied to Pragya.