The commercial operation of Pragya was prohibited under a bylaw enacted by the Hohoe Municipal Assembly on September 27, 2023, during one of its sessions.

Following the review, the Assembly has approved strict regulatory guidelines to govern the operation of auto rickshaws in the Municipality.

Under the new guidelines, no individual auto rickshaw shall be licensed to operate independently but must operate under the umbrella of a recognised transport company, with each company assigned a unique identity.

All transport companies are required to formally register their entire fleet with the Assembly in the company’s name before deployment. Operators must also adhere strictly to designated and approved routes, with standard penalties imposed for violations.

Every rider must be legally licensed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), while both the rider and vehicle must be registered with the Assembly’s Transport Department.

The Assembly is also expected to play an active role in the pricing and fare-fixing process in collaboration with transport unions to prevent arbitrary fare increases and protect commuters.

Auto rickshaws are strictly prohibited from parking or loitering along designated high-traffic highways and may only operate from designated off-road terminals.

To prevent congestion in the Central Business District (CBD) and ensure smooth traffic flow, the Assembly has also prohibited Pragya operators from using certain routes within the Municipality.

Mr Prosper Kumi, Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said the Assembly had initially approved a maximum of 60 Pragya vehicles, to be distributed among four registered transport companies.

He said the initial fare had been pegged at GH¢3.00, subject to future negotiations for possible increases.

According to Mr Kumi, fares on some routes could range between GH¢3.00 and GH¢5.00, depending on the distance and route.

He assured that the Assembly would continue to monitor the operations of the auto rickshaws and educate riders to ensure full compliance with the approved regulations.

Mr Anthony Elorm Afevieku, Assembly Member for the Torkoni/Trevi Electoral Area, in June this year, moved a motion for the reintroduction of Pragya operations, also known as “Mahama Can Do,” within the Municipality.

He explained that the motion sought to amend the earlier bylaw passed by the Assembly, adding that it included recommendations, regulatory guidelines and specific routes where the vehicles would be prohibited from operating.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Robert Atsu Okor, Assembly Member for the Gbledi Electoral Area.