Commercial tricycle operators, popularly known as Pragya riders, have protested what they describe as continuous harassment, extortion, and unfair restrictions imposed by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), in Kumasi.

Hundreds of these riders poured onto the streets of the Ashanti Regional capital today, Thursday, November 20, 2025.

The riders, who abandoned their tricycles and blocked colleagues from working - compelling many to join the march - moved through major streets of the metropolis holding placards and chanting for government intervention. 

The protest, dubbed 'Enough is Enough,' saw a massive show of anger over initiatives by the KMA that the riders claimed were crippling their operation and livelihood.

The KMA, about two years ago, enforced a directive banning Pragya operations within key parts of the Central Business District (CBD). 

According to the assembly, the measure was aimed at reducing congestion and restoring order. 

The tricycle operators initially complied after demonstrations and negotiations with city authorities.

However, the riders have argued that congestion in the CBD persists despite their withdrawal, insisting they were not responsible for the traffic situation. 

They accused the KMA of failing to implement its own commitments and questioned why they continued to be targeted.

Beyond the restrictions, the tricycle operators alleged persistent harassment and extortion by some KMA city guards and police personnel. 

They claimed that the officers often demanded money from them or seized their tricycles without justification.

Regional Chairman of the National Union of Tricycle Operators, Seidu Mubarak, said repeated appeals to authorities had yielded no results. 

According to him, their grievances had long been ignored despite several engagements.

The riders later presented a petition to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and the Ashanti Regional Minister, outlining their concerns and calling for urgent intervention.

They gave authorities a two-week ultimatum to address the issues or face further demonstrations.