Tricycle and commercial motorbike (okada) riders across the nation have hinted at plans to boycott the 2024 general elections if the government fails to demonstrate a genuine commitment to formalizing their operations beforehand.

Expressing their grievances at a press conference in Kumasi on February 22, 2024, the National Secretary for the National Union of Tricycle Operators of Ghana (NUTOG), Mr. Hamza Hafiz, reiterated the vital role tricycle operations play in providing employment opportunities for youth.

Mr. Hamza emphasized the significant contribution of tricycle operations to youth employment, with over 35,000 individuals benefiting from job opportunities within the sector, thereby aiding in reducing the nation’s unemployment rate.

However, Mr. Hamza expressed concern over the apparent lack of commitment displayed by political parties, particularly the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), in legalizing their operations.

He stressed that the threat of an election boycott would only be rescinded if any political party demonstrated genuine commitment to advocating for their cause, engaging with them, and promising to legalize their operations if they emerge victorious in the elections.

Mr. Hamza urged the NPP government to take immediate action to formalize their operations, thereby ensuring sustainable employment opportunities for the youth. Failure to do so, he warned, would result in the government forfeiting the support of tricycle and okada riders in the upcoming general elections.