Tricycle Union Sounds Alarm Over "Death Trap" Winkongo-Zuarungu Road

The Upper East Region’s transport landscape faced a moment of reckoning this weekend as the National Union of Tricycle Operators Ghana (NUTOG) officially inaugurated its Bolgatanga chapter.

While the event was a celebration of organized labor, it quickly pivoted into a scathing critique of the region’s infrastructure.

Deputy Regional Secretary Awobgo Abonimasime Sebastian took center stage, delivering a sobering assessment of the deteriorating stretch between Winkongo and Zuarungu, which he described as a primary source of economic hardship and physical danger for his members.

The Winkongo-Zuarungu road, a vital artery for commerce and daily commuting in the region, has reportedly reached a state of near-total disrepair.

According to Mr. Sebastian, the route is currently “plagued by potholes, erosion, and general disrepair,” creating a hazardous environment where dust clouds obscure vision and deep craters stall the flow of traffic.

For the tricycle operators—popularly known as “Pragya” or “Yellow-Yellow” riders—these conditions are not merely an inconvenience but a direct threat to their livelihoods.

Addressing a diverse assembly of stakeholders, including representatives from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the National Road Safety Authority, and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Deputy Secretary underscored the mechanical toll the road takes on local transport.

“The poor road surface, marked by potholes and erosion, not only causes frequent vehicle breakdowns but also poses significant safety risks,” Mr. Sebastian emphasized.

He pointed out that for many operators, the daily cost of maintenance fueled by the rugged terrain is quickly outpacing their earnings.

The launch of the NUTOG chapter marks a strategic shift for tricycle operators in the Upper East Region, who have long operated without a unified voice.

By bringing together the youth and seasoned operators, the union aims to transform from a casual labor group into a formidable advocacy body.

Mr. Sebastian stressed that the rehabilitation of the Winkongo-Zuarungu stretch must be prioritized by government agencies and local authorities to facilitate smoother transportation and boost the local economy.

As the dust settled on the inauguration, the message to the Assembly and road authorities remained clear: the current state of the infrastructure is unsustainable.

The establishment of the NUTOG chapter in Bolgatanga is expected to provide the necessary leverage to ensure that the concerns of those who navigate these roads daily are no longer ignored.

For the community members and operators present, the hope is that this new level of organization will finally move the rehabilitation of this key route from the list of grievances to the top of the government’s developmental agenda.