Motorcycle Couriers Union Officially Submits Petition to National Youth Authority Over Police Harassment

The Motorcycle Couriers Union of Ghana (MCUG) has officially presented a petition to the National Youth Authority (NYA) calling for urgent intervention in what they describe as ongoing police harassment and extortion targeting motorcycle couriers across the country.

The petition, which was formally handed over to the NYA’s Chief Executive Officer in Accra, seeks immediate action to halt the unfair treatment of riders by officers of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), particularly at the Tesano Division.

Led by Abugri Timothy Agengri, the General Secretary of the union, the MCUG delegation expressed deep concern over the increasing number of cases where riders are arrested, detained, and have their motorcycles impounded without due process.

> “Our members are law-abiding citizens working hard to earn an honest living. We are simply asking for fairness, respect, and the freedom to operate without fear and intimidation,” Mr. Agengri stated during the presentation.

Union’s Demands to the NYA

In the petition, the union made three major appeals to the Authority:

1. Immediate cessation of the harassment of motorcycle couriers by the police.

2. Formation of a joint committee to investigate ongoing issues between motor riders and the Tesano MTTD Division, with representation from the union, police, and other key stakeholders.

3. Implementation of findings and recommendations to prevent future abuses and promote peaceful collaboration between riders and law enforcement.

The MCUG emphasized that many young people rely on the motorcycle courier business as a source of employment and livelihood, and continued harassment only worsens the economic hardships they face.

National Youth Authority Commended

The union commended the National Youth Authority for its ongoing efforts to support youth entrepreneurship and expressed confidence that the Authority would act swiftly to ensure justice and fairness.

> “We believe the NYA, as a youth-centered institution, will stand by us to address this matter and help protect young Ghanaians trying to make an honest living,” the union’s statement read.

The petition was received by NYA officials who assured the union that the matter would be reviewed and forwarded to the appropriate quarters for action.

This development marks a significant step in the union’s advocacy efforts to end what they describe as “unlawful targeting” of motorcycle riders across various parts of the country.