The Manhyia Divisional Commander of the Police MTTD, Superintendent Mary Affanyi, has hinted at a crackdown on underage riders of commercial tricycles, known popularly as 'Pragyia'.

She stated that owners of the vehicles will also be held accountable for engaging teenagers in the business.

According to her, the commercialization of ‘pragyia’ is not yet legalized, but it has served as employment for most of the youth.

This, she observed, has helped in crime reduction, but noted that people who are 18 years and above are eligible to ride.

Speaking to Adom News during a sensitization program for eighty riders in the Afigya Kwabre South District, she urged them to obey road safety regulations to reduce accidents.

The Nkosuohene of Nyankyerenease, Nana Adu Gyamfi Kumanin Barima Kese I, handed over eighty tricycles to the youth to support job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the area.

He said this is to enable beneficiaries to start their own commercial riding businesses to reduce unemployment and poverty.

Nana Adu Gyamfi urged other philanthropists to help reduce youth unemployment.

"I have employed over four hundred people, paying them so if other people with money also create jobs for others, it will help the growth of the economy," he urged.

Nana Gyamfi called on the government to regularize the use of ‘pragyia’.

At the sensitization program, the chairman of Hajia Sharmor Pragia Association at Kodie, Nana Yaw, promised their members would adhere to rules and regulations on the road to reduce accidents.

"We are not going to accept anyone below 18 years in our group to rid pragia in the Kodie district," he said.