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ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COMMERCIAL MOTOR TRICYCLES IN OUR CITIES
Ordinarily, an attempt to analyse economic impact of any form of activity on a community would require that such an activity should be subjected to academic and scientific data analysis. However, a cursory look at such activities could also give one a fair and acceptable idea as to how those activities impact on the economic lives of the people in the community.
In recent times, the activities of operators of motor tricycles, popularly called “Pragia” or “Mahama can do”, for commercial purposes have come into sharp focus. Their operations have been hailed by many Ghanaians for various reasons. However, some other people in the transport sector have also sharply criticized them for some other reasons.
Until recently, the use of the tricycle was common in the northern part of the country. Indeed, the roads in the northern cities and towns are usually covered by swarms of motor bikes of all kind and sizes. Sometimes, the scene of several of them moving together in the same direction is worth mentioning. The interesting bit is where women are sometimes seen rubbing shoulders with the men, thereby exhibiting their riding skills to the admiration of many observers.
The common “Pragia” is predominantly coloured yellow (though some are in other colours such as red, blue, white and green); and apart from the rider (whom some patrons of the tricycle call ‘the driver’) the tricycle takes two or three other passengers. In fact, there are also some that have been slightly elongated in size such that they can take up to five persons.
Most patrons of these commercial tricycles find them very convenient to get onto and alight at any point. Not only that, they also pay a little less than what they would have paid for a taxi cab, Uber or trotro. Obviously, with that kind of engine, the fuel consumption so low, compared to a taxi cab, Uber or trotro. A major advantage “Pragia” has over the other internally operated commercial vehicles is that, due to its relatively small size, it can maneuver and go to every limited space and corner where a taxi cab, Uber or trotro cannot.
It is worth noting that it is not only men who are involved in this commercial transport business. There are also a few women who are occasionally spotted ridding “Pragia” and doing brisk business. Undoubtedly, these have created very large employment opportunities to the young men and women who have adopted the operations of “Pragia” as their occupation. The big question that easily comes to mind is, “where would all these energetic young men and women have been if these commercial tricycles were not available?”
Today, “Pragia” can be seen everywhere in our cities. The business is booming as it is attracting more of the youth who have become bread winners for their respective families. In effect, the “Pragia” business in the informal sector has indirectly reduced the levels of youth unemployment in the country and increased fiscal redistribution in the financial space within the country’s larger economy. Certainly, operations of “Pragia’ or “Mahama can do” can be said to have a positive economic impact on the country.
However, while this could be said to be solving one major unemployment problem, it is at the same time adversely affecting another section in the same transport industry. Indeed, taxi cab drivers especially are also complaining about sharp decline in their daily incomes that is affecting sales to their car owners as a result of the operations of the “Pragia” which fares are relatively less than the taxi cabs.
It therefore did not come to many as a surprise when some taxi drivers expressed satisfaction and joy when as part of measures to fight COVID-19, it was announced in some parts of the country that operators of “Pragia” should be suspended to observe social distancing. What that meant was that a large number of the youth were going to go back into unemployment, and that certainly was going to impact negatively on the economy.
Two options were then left to the men and women in the “Pragia” business. Either ignore the announcement and go ahead with the business as usual and risk the lives of their patrons or reduce the number of persons they take at a time to observe social distancing and enforce wearing of face mask by every passenger. They chose the latter. So now, the numbers of persons a “Pragia” takes at a time is two, and in the case of the elongated ones, the maximum number at a time is three instead of five.
“Pragia” has now come to be part of the transport system in Ghana. Their services have been economic and beneficial to many of the citizenry. Just like taxi cab or Uber, “Pragia” is patronized by both the lower and the middle class of the society. Fortunately, their operations are safer and more recognized than the operations of “Okada” which are almost always having problems with the police and other law enforcement agencies.
So to conclude, perhaps we must support the operations of the “Pragia” riders to boost economic growth and also create more job opportunities for the jobless.
BY JEMIMA Y. AMEWODE
A LEVEL 300 JOURNALISM STUDENT
GHANA INSTITUTE OF JOURNALISM
News
Philip Nai and Friends to hold 5th edition of Christmas party with kids
On the back of a successful get-together for children at the oncology unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, on December 23, 2023, Joy FM lead producer, Philip Nai and his friends are back with another event this year.
The 5th edition of Philip Nai and Friends will be held at the Agblezaa community on December 24, 2024.
There will be activities such as musical performances, health screening, bottle flipping, Praise and Worship, Sip and Paint, Dancing Competition, Musical Chairs among others.
Donations of food items, bags of water, toiletries, clothes, learning materials will also be made. Individuals are encouraged to help this worthy cause by calling 0244735451.
Last year, musicians Nii Soul and Perez Musiq were present to lend their support to the programme.
There were also entertainment activities involving both the children and their mothers.
At the event, the Programmes Manager of Joy FM, Edem Knight-Tay shared a word of encouragement with the patients and their parents. She admonished them not to lose hope in God’s power to heal the kids of their sicknesses.
Also present were Dr. Grace Buckman, the Chief Executive Officer of Sonotech Medical and Diagnostic Centre; Ghana’s rep for Miss Universe 2023, Engracia Afua K. Mofuman; and Kwame Dadzie, the host of Showbiz A-Z on Joy FM.
Philip Nai and Friends is a charity project founded by Philip Nai, a philanthropist and one of Ghana’s astute and well-known producers at Joy FM, a subsidiary of The Multimedia Group.
Philip Nai and Friends is an annual project done mainly in collaboration with his friends from the media fraternity including celebrities and support from business and corporate Ghana to show love to the underprivileged by feeding, clothing, providing medical care and entertainment among others.
Philip Nai has for the past four years, led this project in various communities in Accra, every Christmas Eve and wishes to replicate same across the country in the coming years with all your support.
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The Glow Up Season: Woman King, Crowned Queen of Miss Malaika Ghana 2024
The Miss Malaika Ghana 2024 pageant came to a spectacular end on Saturday, November 16 at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra.
After weeks of competition, 25-year-old Lucille Naakwaley King was crowned the winner in a dazzling finale that showcased beauty, talent, and female empowerment.
The glittering finale kicked off with co-host Bliss King introducing the top 10 contestants who came out in a spectacular display of cars by The Dream Collection, who ushered the ladies to the event in luxury cars, received on the red carpet amidst funfair and ultimately a grand entry unto the stage.
The ladies had a chance to showcase their poise and personality in a one-on-one conversation with the host, Regina Van-Helvert.
Based on votes accumulated leading up to the event, the field was then narrowed to the top 5 finalists: Marie. Delphine, Lucille, Cherise and Whitney.
In one of the most impactful segments of the night, the top 5 finalists delivered individual speeches on who their role model is, by highlighting their key achievements and how their journey inspires them on their path to becoming the women they aspire to be.
This portion gave insight into the contestants’ values, passions, and visions for creating positive change.
Lucille King chose Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao as her role model – an activist, diplomat, entrepreneur and founder of medical clinics.
In her impassioned speech, Lucille praised Dr. Chihombori-Quao’s many accomplishments, saying: “I want to say a big thank you, Dr Chihombori-Quoa. Thank you for proving that a woman can be many things at once. And for not only empowering me by what you say, but by what you do and who you are as a strong, female Pan-African advocate.”
This choice of role model highlighted Lucille’s own ambitions to be a multi-faceted leader and champion for women’s empowerment across Africa.
The Judging Panel
Selecting a winner from such an accomplished group of finalists was no easy task. The Miss Malaika Ghana 2024 judging panel consisted of respected figures from entertainment, business, and pageantry: Ama O. Sarpong – Miss Malaika 2010 winner, now an oil and gas professional, Trudy Arnold – Miss Malaika 2009 runner-up, now CEO of Studio 7, Chris Attoh – Actor, television presenter, producer and film director and Kojo Soboh – CEO and founder of EMY Africa and Carbon AV.
This diverse panel brought expertise from various fields to evaluate the contestants on beauty, intelligence, talent, and potential for impact.
Crowning the Queen
The final segment of the night was what many termed ‘the make or break’ point for the top 5 delegates. Where they were put on the spot and asked questions by the judges pertaining to their individual speeches.
A few minutes after the final delegate said ‘thank you for the question’ and proceeded with her response, the judges made the final and ultimate decision which answered the lingering question of ‘Who wins what’?
20-year-old Cherise Nana Ama was announced second runner up and 24-year-old Fiakegbe Marie Juniore was called as the first runner up.
Then came the big moment – Lucille Naakwaley King was crowned Miss Malaika Ghana 2024! As the audience erupted in cheers, Lucille gracefully accepted the crown and began her reign as the newest ambassador for the Miss Malaika Ghana brand.
The evening also featured a talent competition among three finalists selected during pre-judging: Lucille, Nakiya, and Marie.
This segment allowed the ladies to showcase skills beyond beauty and public speaking. Lucille wowed the crowd with an energetic salsa dance routine.
Her precise footwork, fluid hand movements, and magnetic stage presence earned her the title of Miss Talent, as determined by the judges. This additional award highlighted Lucille’s well-rounded abilities and star power.
Between competition segments, the audience was treated to spectacular musical performances from some of Ghana’s top artists: Camidoh, Olivetheboy, LalixLola and an incredible dance performance by Dancegodloyd and his crew.
These entertaining acts kept the energy high throughout the night and showcased Ghana’s vibrant music scene alongside its beautiful and talented women.
In a post-win interview, Lucille reflected on what being crowned Miss Malaika Ghana 2024 means to her.
‘’Winning the crown means more to me than many may think. It means that I can more rigorously fulfil my purpose in life- helping people. I have always wanted to make changes, and improve people’s lives, but until now, it has felt like an improbability task. I am so grateful for the platform to help others, and I am looking forward to doing so via my first project which is aimed at children with Autism and Down syndrome,” she said.
according to her, “These children are isolated, misunderstood, neglected, and sometimes even ridiculed. I want to help change this. I want people to realize how worthy of love, or at the very least, respect and dignity children with these conditions are. I want to share their stories, to humanize them and show the country that they are different, yes, but still worthy and valuable.
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Miss Malaika Ghana is one of the country’s most prestigious beauty pageants, organized annually by Charterhouse Productions. More than just a beauty contest, Miss Malaika Ghana aims to discover, nurture and promote talented young Ghanaian women.
The competition emphasizes: Intelligence and eloquence, leadership potential, commitment to community service, celebration of African beauty and culture amongst others.
Participants of Miss Malaika Ghana often go on to successful careers in business, media, and public service.
The pageant provides a launching pad for young women to make their mark on Ghana and beyond.
The 2024 edition of Miss Malaika Ghana was proudly brought to you by Club Shandy, JAC by Tryton Motors, Brussels Airlines, Big Blue Resort, The Pinnacle Apartments, Your Cruise People, airing on Joy Prime TV, GHOne TV, DGN TV, MX24 TV, LifeStyle TV, and powered by Charterhouse
