Road Safety: Why AMMA is cracking down on minors, foreign tricycle operators

The Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly (AMMA) has announced a ban on minors and foreign nationals operating commercial tricycles commonly known as “aboboyaa”, effective April 15, 2026.

The move forms part of efforts to improve safety and enforce road traffic regulations within the municipality.

The area, which has over 30,000 autorickshaws, relies heavily on tricycles as an affordable and accessible mode of transport.

However, authorities say rising indiscipline among riders is increasingly putting lives at risk.

In an interview with Joy News, monitored by GhanaWeb on April 14, 2026, the Municipal Chief Executive, Ben Abdallah Alhassan, stated that a significant number of tricycle operators are foreigners who allegedly disregard road traffic laws.

“Currently, if you come across 10 riders within the municipality, you are likely to have about eight to nine of them being foreigners. Apart from the fact that this is illegal under the dictates of the GIPC Act, we also believe that because they may not be familiar with our laws, they tend to flout road traffic regulations and ride recklessly. This is becoming detrimental to the safety of our people,” he explained.

He also raised concerns about the involvement of minors in the business.

Tricycle riders cry foul over high licensing fees, seek government support

“Very often, you come across minors as young as 16 years old, some up to 17, and they operate these tricycles. We believe this is not right. Many of the road traffic accidents and infractions are associated with riders within this age group,” Abdallah Alhassan stated.

He noted that both illegal foreign participation and underage riders have significantly contributed to traffic violations and accidents in the municipality.

Ahead of the enforcement, the Municipal Security Council has scheduled stakeholder engagements to educate riders and owners on the new directive.

The Assembly maintains that the decision is necessary to restore order and ensure the safety of residents.

JKB/VPO

Berekum Chelsea player dead after highway armed robbery attack - Report: