The Motorcycle Couriers Union of Ghana (MCUG) has petitioned the National Youth Authority (NYA) to intervene in what they describe as persistent harassment, intimidation, and extortion by officers of the Ghana Police Service, particularly those attached to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Tesano Division.
According to the petition signed by Abugri Timothy Agengri, General Secretary of the union, several motorcycle couriers have been subjected to arbitrary arrests, detentions, and seizure of their motorcycles without due process. The situation, the union says, is crippling their operations and affecting thousands of young people who depend on courier services for their livelihoods.
> “Despite our efforts to operate within the law, our members continue to face unfair treatment. These actions are not only unjust but are also hurting our ability to provide reliable delivery services that many Ghanaians rely on,” the petition stated.
The MCUG is therefore calling on the National Youth Authority to use its good offices to intervene and address the issue, emphasizing that such actions by the police are counterproductive to national goals of promoting youth employment and entrepreneurship.
Union’s Key Demands
In the petition, the Motorcycle Couriers Union outlined three main requests:
1. Immediate Stop to Harassment: An end to police intimidation and extortion targeting motorcycle couriers, especially by the Tesano MTTD division.
2. Independent Investigation: The formation of a joint investigative committee involving the union, the Ghana Police Service, the National Youth Authority, and relevant civil society groups to examine ongoing tensions between the two parties.
3. Implementation of Recommendations: Swift enforcement of the committee’s findings to ensure fair treatment and prevent future confrontations.
Call for Youth Protection
The union believes that the National Youth Authority, as a government body responsible for promoting youth welfare and employment, is well-positioned to facilitate dialogue and ensure the protection of young Ghanaians working within the courier sector.
> “We trust that the Authority will treat this matter with urgency and take steps to protect the rights and dignity of hardworking young people who are contributing to the economy,” the statement added.
The MCUG’s call comes amid growing concerns about police relations with commercial and dispatch riders across the country, with many riders alleging frequent harassment, unnecessary arrests, and extortion.
As the petition awaits a formal response from the National Youth Authority, many in the motorcycle courier sector are hopeful that this intervention will lead to fair treatment, transparency, and lasting reforms.
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