A strong security presence has been established at the premises of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to prevent a potential incursion by tricycle operators who are opposing a directive aimed at restricting their movement within certain parts of the metropolis.

On a recent Monday, irate tricycle operators gathered at the KMA premises demanding the release of their impounded tricycles.

The situation escalated and armed police officers were summoned to maintain order, resulting in a confrontational clash.

In order to prevent a recurrence of such events, both police and military personnel have been stationed at the KMA premises.

The Public Relations Officer of the KMA, Henrietta Afia Konadu, asserted that the Assembly will not retract its decision to enforce the directive.

She explained that among the individuals apprehended on August 7, roughly five or six were not actual tricycle operators but were enticed to participate in causing disruptions. These individuals claimed they were responding to a call to cause disturbances at the KMA premises.

"At present, they are in police custody. We have informed the police that we wish for the case to go to court, allowing the legal system to determine the outcome of the situation. We currently hold 43 tricycles in our custody, as there were initially 46, but three were forcefully removed," she clarified.

The KMA's directive has sparked a contentious debate about the role of tricycles in the city.

Some individuals perceive tricycles as a source of inconvenience and contributors to traffic congestion, while others argue that tricycles are a crucial mode of transportation, particularly for the economically disadvantaged.

The KMA has reiterated its commitment to upholding and enforcing the directive.