The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has led an enforcement exercise to ensure compliance with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s (AMA) safety directive for tricycle operators in the metropolis.
The exercise, which took place at Kaneshie First Light on Thursday, September 3, 2026, follows the expiration of a grace period granted to tricycle riders to put in place measures intended to improve their safety and that of other road users.
The Assembly had earlier directed operators to equip their tricycles with reflective stickers and ensure that riders wear helmets, reflective jackets and other appropriate safety gear.
The directive forms part of efforts by the AMA to improve road safety and reduce the incidence of crashes involving tricycles, particularly on busy roads and major highways across Accra.
During the enforcement exercise, Mayor Allotey interacted with tricycle riders operating around the Kaneshie First Light area and inspected their level of compliance with the safety requirements.
He reminded the riders that the period given for voluntary compliance had ended, making enforcement necessary to ensure that the directives were taken seriously.
The Mayor cautioned operators who had yet to comply to do so, stressing that adherence to the safety measures was essential to protecting riders, passengers, motorists and pedestrians.
He explained that the Assembly’s decision was not intended to target or punish tricycle operators but rather to reduce risks associated with their operations and prevent avoidable road crashes.
A key component of the directive is the installation of reflective stickers on the rear and sides of tricycles.
According to the Mayor, the markings would make the vehicles more visible to other road users, particularly at night and during periods of poor visibility such as rainfall.
He noted that tricycles without adequate reflective markings could be difficult for motorists to identify from a distance, increasing the likelihood of collisions, especially on roads with heavy traffic.
He therefore urged riders to treat the requirement as an important safety measure rather than merely an administrative obligation.
Mayor Allotey also drew attention to the manner in which tricycles are operated on highways, cautioning riders against using inner lanes.
He stressed that tricycles should keep to the outer lanes on highways to minimise the risk of coming into conflict with faster-moving vehicles.
The Mayor said responsible lane use, coupled with the proper use of safety equipment, would contribute significantly to reducing accidents involving tricycles and other road users.
He further called on tricycle rider unions and other organised groups within the sector to assist the Assembly by educating their members and ensuring that operators comply with the requirements.
The enforcement exercise forms part of broader efforts by the AMA to restore discipline on roads within the Accra metropolis and improve safety for all categories of road users.
Mayor Allotey said the Assembly would continue to collaborate with relevant state institutions and stakeholders to strengthen enforcement and promote responsible road use.
He maintained that protecting lives remained a priority and urged tricycle operators to cooperate with the authorities as the Assembly moves beyond the grace period into stricter enforcement.
The Mayor’s engagement at Kaneshie First Light is expected to serve as a reminder to tricycle operators across the metropolis that the safety requirements are now subject to enforcement after the expiration of the August compliance deadline.
By 1960news.com
