By Innocent Samuel Appiah
The bustling Agbogbloshie market in Accra is the centre cacophony of sounds: human shouts, horns from vehicles, and the constant noise from the movement of “aboboyaa,” the ubiquitous tricycles that have become a defining feature of Ghana’s urban environment.
These three-wheeled vehicles, often brightly painted and heavily laden, navigate in chaos without care to pedestrians, vendors, and larger vehicles. They represent both the resourcefulness and adaptability of Ghana’s informal economy and the difficulties of urban planning.
Primarily imported from Asia, the “aboboyaa” has become essential to Ghana’s transportation infrastructure, providing affordable transport for goods, waste, and even passengers in densely populated, low-income areas. For many young Ghanaians, operating an “aboboyaa” offers a path to financial independence, allowing them to earn a living and support their families.
However, this economic benefit comes at a cost. The rapid growth in the number of “aboboyaa” has resulted in reckless driving, disregard for traffic regulations, and chronic congestion in urban areas. These vehicles, which frequently lack essential safety features, endanger both drivers and other road users. The lack of regulation raises concerns about overloading, pollution, and the possibility of criminal activity.
The debate over “aboboyaa” intensified following a broadcast by 3FM journalist Johnnie Hughes on his regular programme “Johnnie’s bite,” who condemned the “unnecessary accidents” caused by these tricycles, accusing drivers of reckless behaviour. His remarks struck a chord with many Ghanaians who have seen the chaos firsthand and are frustrated by the perceived inaction of authorities.
The versatility of “aboboyaa,” which serve as cargo carriers, garbage collectors, and makeshift taxis, complicates regulation even further. This multifaceted function makes it difficult to establish appropriate rules, resulting in a regulatory vacuum. Past attempts to regulate “aboboyaa” have encountered resistance, as evidenced by protests in Kumasi against restrictions on their movement, highlighting the conflict between regulation and economic survival.
Some contend that their proliferation reflects deeper issues such as insufficient public transportation, limited job opportunities, and a lack of infrastructure investment. According to urban planner Juliet Mawuena Dzikunu, the issue is not just about traffic and safety; it is about building a more inclusive urban environment with safe, affordable transportation and addressing the underlying causes of the problem.
Balancing economic needs with public safety is a difficult task. Transportation experts such as Joseph K. Horgle and Madam Dzikunu believe that a comprehensive and strictly enforced regulatory framework is required to address the multifaceted challenges that the “aboboyaa” has posed over time. This framework must skillfully balance the economic realities of operators with the paramount need for public safety. This framework must go beyond piecemeal solutions, which are frequently ineffective in the face of the complex dynamics at play, and embrace a holistic and integrated approach.
At the core of this framework is a mandatory registration and licensing system. This would include a comprehensive system for tracking ownership and identifying operators, as well as rigorous training and testing to assess their knowledge of traffic laws, safe driving practices, and vehicle maintenance. This, in turn, would improve accountability by establishing a clear record of operator qualifications, making it easier to identify and penalize those who engage in reckless or illegal activities.
To mitigate the inherent risks associated with “aboboyaa” operations, the authorities must establish and enforce minimum safety standards. This includes mandating the installation of adequate lighting systems, functional brakes, and durable tires, along with regular inspections to ensure ongoing compliance. Vehicles that fail to meet these requirements should be removed from the roads until necessary repairs or upgrades are completed.
Addressing the issue of unrestricted movement in congested urban areas, the experts recommend implementing a system of designated routes and zones for “aboboyaa” operations. This strategic zoning can help manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, and separate these tricycles from faster-moving vehicles or vulnerable pedestrian traffic, thereby improving overall safety. It is crucial to ensure that these designated routes and zones allow “aboboyaa” to continue providing essential services to the communities they serve, maintaining the economic benefits they provide.
The effectiveness of any regulatory framework relies on consistent and impartial enforcement. Traffic police must be adequately empowered and equipped to enforce traffic laws and regulations, focusing on key areas such as speeding, reckless driving, overloading, and non-compliance with designated routes. Visible and proactive enforcement can serve as a powerful deterrent, sending a clear message that irresponsible behavior will not be tolerated.
Alongside strict enforcement, comprehensive public education campaigns are crucial in promoting safety and fostering a culture of responsibility on Ghana’s roads. These campaigns should target both “aboboyaa” operators and the general public, raising awareness of the inherent risks and emphasizing the importance of adhering to traffic laws and regulations, including the use of helmets.
Recognizing the potential challenges faced by “aboboyaa” operators in meeting new regulatory requirements, the experts emphasize the need for robust alternative livelihood programmes. These programmes should provide a safety net for those who may be displaced or negatively impacted, offering vocational training, access to small business loans, and assistance with finding alternative employment.
The development and implementation of an effective regulatory framework must involve meaningful and sustained engagement with all relevant stakeholders, including operators, community leaders, transport unions, and civil society organizations. This will help build consensus, promote a sense of ownership, and ensure that the regulations are practical and sustainable in the long run.
Despite the clear need for action, the government’s response has been characterized as tepid and hesitant, owing to a lack of strong political will and a fear of alienating a potentially large voting bloc of “aboboyaa” operators and their supporters. As Ghana’s urban population continues to grow, addressing this issue will become increasingly critical, requiring a concerted and sustained effort from all stakeholders to transform the “aboboyaa” from a symbol of urban chaos into a safe, productive, and well-integrated component of the country’s urban economy.
