More than 100 motorcyclists engaged in courier and ride-hailing services have taken to the streets of Accra to demand an end to alleged exploitation.
The riders, belonging to the Motorcycle Courier Union of Ghana and Concerned Riders Association of Ghana, were demanding an end to “extortion and harassment by police officers.”
They also want a reversal of policy on licensing of motor riders engaged in courier services and the reversal of a directive to license delivery motor riders through their ride-hailing partners.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at the entrance of Media General premises, Mr Carlos Adzie, a leading member of the group, said the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation had directed Yango and its partners to use their business license to cover their personal motorbikes.
He observed that such a directive was inimical to the sustainability of their businesses.
“We are kicking against it because the partner can tell you tomorrow that if you are not able to do this and that, he is withdrawing your license,” he said.
He stated that it was ironic that, currently, there were only two foreign-owned firms in the courier industry that were engaged in the partnership model.
“Cargo, a Ghanaian-owned company, deals with the rider directly. Hubtel deals with the rider directly. Why are they compelling us and giving partners power to enslave riders?” he queried.
Speaking on the recent confiscation of motorcycles used for courier services without a license, an activity undertaken by the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission, he said the directive was discriminatory.
He urged the Commission to target public transport drivers who engaged in courier services without a license.
“Already, we have three documents that we renew every year,
The ministry and commission do not know much about the sector,” he alleged.
Mr Andy Amoah, a courier, alleged that they were under constant harassment from the police who “extort monies from them.”
He noted that despite providing all the required documents, delivery motor riders are accosted, humiliated, and asked to pay bribes.
“Police people no longer arrest Okada people. You can be there and the police will arrest you while leaving the Okada rider,” Mr Amoah said.
“This work we are doing is about life and death.”
The protesters said they would go to the Youth Employment Agency and the Yango Office to register their grievances.
