The Motorcycle Couriers Union in Ghana has vehemently expressed apprehensions regarding the age stipulation outlined in the Road Traffic Regulations of 2012, which mandates a minimum age of 25 years for operating commercial motorcycles and tricycles.
According to Timothy Abugri, the union’s General Secretary, this provision poses an existential threat to the livelihoods of many young riders who would be rendered jobless if this law is enforced.
“We were not consulted in the preparation of the Legislative Instrument, and it’s evident that certain aspects could have been mitigated had our input been sought prior to its passage,” Abugri lamented.
He implored the government to reconsider the age requirement, advocating for a reduction to 18 years, thereby affording younger individuals the opportunity to engage in this profession.
Abugri underscored the imperative need for comprehensive training and certification programs for union members before the regulation takes effect, thereby precluding potential arrests by law enforcement agencies.
“The legislation also stipulates training and certification as prerequisites for riding. However, upon the law’s enactment, individuals lacking certification will be prohibited from riding. Given that our sector remains untrained, we face a significant challenge,” he elucidated.
The union is fervently advocating for enhanced collaboration and dialogue with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the law, while aimed at enhancing safety, does not inadvertently undermine the livelihoods of its members.
Abugri stressed that the government should facilitate training initiatives for union members prior to the regulation’s enforcement, positing,
“If law enforcement officers stop any of our members without certification, what recourse will we have? We believe it’s essential for us to convene and secure our buy-in before the Legislative Instrument is passed.”
