Pragya, a nuisance in Fijai electoral area as 2 SHS students lose lives – Skyy Power FM

Commercial tricycle, popularly known as Pragya has become a nuisance in the Fijai Electoral Area of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis in the Western Region.

Also, Pragya has become the main source of transportation in the Fijai Electoral Area particularly in the Agric, Mampong and Diabene areas.

Since it has become so important to the community and a quick way to make money, most of the youth have engaged in the tricycle taxi business to make ends meet.

Although it is illegal, there are also not many regulations guiding who can acquire or ride a tricycle in the aforementioned areas.

Due to the absence of these regulations, two Senior High Schools (SHS) who were engaged in the tricycle taxi business have tragically lost their lives in the space of 6 months.

The Assemblymember for Fijai electoral area, Madam Ramatu Ibrahim speaking to Skyy News said even though the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) hinted at banning the activities of these tricycles, she pleaded with him to consider the situation since it is the only accessible transportation in those areas.

She said, “The only accessible and affordable form of transportation is the pragya, looking at places like Eshiem, Mampong, Kansarodo and Diabene, it is difficult for some taxis to access these areas and even if you hire these taxis, it is very expensive.”

“The pragya is what has been helping people living in these areas looking at the landscape, most are new sites, the roads are bad and it’s only these tricycles that can access these areas.”

Madam Ramatu said she advised the Assembly to allow the pragya taxis to continue their operation in those areas but must be prevented from operating in the main city.

She said if they are banned, it will be a problem for many residents who depend on their services.

The Assemblymember claimed that she and the Metro Assembly launched an operation to stop all minor riders from participating in pragya taxi activities. They were initially successful, but the minor riders have since resumed.

Madam Ramatu added that the situation is becoming difficult as she continues to face resistance from the community and the family of these riders.

She added that they are planning a new strategy to relaunch their operation to curb the menace and also fish out the minors since they are the bigger problem.