Dormaa East Pragyia Association Engages New Police Commander and District Assembly in Stakeholders’ Meeting

A stakeholders’ meeting involving Pragyia riders, executives and owners of the Pragyia Association, representatives of the District Assembly, and the Police Command was held on Thursday, 20th August 2026, at the Roman Catholic Church in Wamfie. The meeting was organized to educate riders and owners on the laws and regulations governing the ownership and operation of Pragyia machines, as well as promote road safety and responsible operations.

Addressing the gathering, the Police Commander, ASP Dery Philip, cautioned owners to entrust their machines only to licensed riders who are 18 years and above. He stated that both owners and riders would be held accountable for breaches of the law. He further advised owners to provide secure parking spaces for their machines and urged riders to park only at designated locations to prevent theft.

The Commander also cautioned riders against parking or stopping at prohibited areas, speeding, and careless driving, emphasizing the need to remain in their lanes and protect the lives of passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. He strongly advised riders to stay away from narcotic drugs while operating the machines and warned them against knowingly transporting stolen items or assisting criminals.

In conclusion, ASP Dery Philip encouraged riders to maintain a neat and professional appearance, save part of their earnings for the future, and maintain good relations between owners and riders. He emphasized that responsible conduct and strict adherence to road regulations were essential to ensuring safety and sustaining their livelihoods.

Speaking at the meeting, the District Coordinating Director (DCD), Mr. Raphel Dodzi            Sorkpor commended the Pragyia Association for organizing the engagement and expressed appreciation to the Police Commander for the insightful presentation. He stated that the Assembly relies on accurate data for planning and therefore urged all owners to register their Pragyia machines with the Assembly to enable it to determine the exact number operating within the district and plan appropriate interventions for them.

The DCD also highlighted the Assembly’s revenue mobilization efforts, noting that each Pragyia rider is required to pay an annual fee of GH¢50, upon which a sticker would be issued as proof of payment. He concluded by announcing that the Assembly would soon commence the construction of a roadside pavement from the courthouse to the GOIL filling station to provide adequate space for Pragyia riders to park and allow passengers to alight safely.

The meeting also highlighted a number of offences that could attract penalties, punishment, or prosecution before the courts. These included:

* Operating a Pragyia without a valid driving license or number plate. Punishment for breach; 50 penalty-100 penalty unit and in terms of prison 3-6 month or both

* Riding under the influence of narcotic drugs or other intoxicating substances.

* Reckless or careless driving that endangers passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.

* Unauthorized modifications to Pragyia machines, including changing the original horns and lights in ways that cause excessive noise or intense lighting at night.

* Stopping or parking at critical locations, including hospital, police, and Assembly junctions, which serve as emergency access routes.

* Using loudspeakers to play music at excessive volumes while operating the machine.

* Failure to renew vehicle registration upon expiration.

* Other violations of road traffic regulations and requirements governing the operation of Pragyia machines.

The meeting ended with a call on Pragyia owners and riders to strictly adhere to road traffic regulations and operate responsibly. The engagement provided an opportunity for stakeholders to address key concerns and promote safer, more organized, and accountable Pragyia operations within the district. Participants were encouraged to work closely with the Assembly and Police to ensure compliance and improve road safety.

#Information Services Department.