The Motorcycle Couriers Union of Ghana (MCUG) has appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to address what it describes as unfair and restrictive police operations targeting motorcyclists, particularly courier riders, across the country.
Speaking in an interview with Happyghana.com, the Chairman of the Union, Stephen Adenyo, said although the union supports efforts to maintain law and order, the current police approach has become excessive.
He cited frequent roadblocks, compulsory stops, forced license checks, and demands for riders to wear hand gloves as measures that are creating unnecessary delays and affecting their work.
Mr. Adenyo alleged that some police officers, particularly around the Kaneshie area, engage in extortion, demanding money from riders before allowing them to continue their journeys. He said such practices are discouraging many members from operating in those locations.
According to him, motorcycle couriers play an essential role in the movement of goods and services within cities and contribute meaningfully to the local economy. However, increasing reports of harassment and extortion are demoralizing riders and affecting productivity.
The union has therefore urged the police administration to:
1. Review operational guidelines to ensure fairness and prevent undue targeting of motorcyclists.
2. Establish clear channels for reporting police misconduct.
3. Educate officers on the economic importance of motorcycle couriers to promote balanced enforcement.
MCUG has also called for a roundtable dialogue with the police leadership to find a collaborative solution that ensures both effective law enforcement and smooth courier operations.
Mr. Adenyo noted that under former IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, such incidents were minimal, expressing surprise that under the current administration’s “resetting agenda,” police activities appear to have become more hostile toward riders.
He urged IGP Yohuno and his team to take immediate steps to curb the misconduct of some personnel and restore confidence among motorcyclists.
