Tamale drivers protest over 'Mahama Camboo'

Commuters have been left stranded in various locations as taxi and trotro drivers in the Tamale Metropolis in the Northern Region on Tuesday embarked on a protest the influx of tricycles being used as taxis.

The drivers say the activities of these tricycles, popularly referred to as 'Mahama Camboo' was affecting their business. They thus abandoned their vehicles and hit the streets of Tamale to register their displeasure at the development.

Concerns have been raised about the safety of these tricycles, most of which are being distributed by MASLOC, a microfinance body established in 2006 for the implementation government's microfinance programmes targeted at reducing poverty, creating jobs and wealth.

But the Brong Ahafo Regional Road Safety Commission early last month condemned the use of the tricycles as taxis within the region and vowed to clamp down on them since their activities contravene the road traffic regulation, LI 21/80, regulation 128. The LI prohibits the use of motorcycle or tricycle for commercial purposes.

A total of 120 of such tricycles were in April 2015 distributed to young people in the Upper East and Northern regions by MASLOC.

The drivers argue that since the laws of the land forbid the use of tricycles as passenger vehicles, authorities should step in immediately to stop what they termed as illegal practice until the laws are reviewed.

They groups to petition the office of the Northern Regional Minister, Driver, Vehicle and Licensing Authority and the Road Safety Commission to intervene, noting they will only resume services when the issue is addressed.

They have threatened to go to court should the government and relevant authorities fail to stop the practice.