Timothy Agengri Abugri, General Secretary of the Motorcycle Couriers Union of Ghana (MCUG), has called on regulatory bodies to adopt a fair and collaborative approach in their dealings with motorcycle riders across the country.
He refuted claims that riders routinely consume food items meant for delivery, describing such allegations as misleading and damaging to the reputation of the sector.
“Our members work tirelessly to ensure that goods reach customers safely and on time. The public must hear our side of the story before making assumptions,” Mr. Abugri said.
He expressed concern that some state institutions are engaging in victimization, creating unnecessary obstacles that hinder riders from performing their duties efficiently. “Unlike private companies such as Ulba and Co., our riders can be blocked or delayed at any time, which is neither fair nor just,” he noted.
Mr. Abugri called on the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to support the union by placing official stickers on food items for delivery. He explained that this would prevent misunderstandings and protect riders from being falsely accused of mishandling deliveries.
He advised members to remain law-abiding and professional in all their dealings. “Members must conduct themselves with integrity and take personal responsibility for any items they wish to consume. If you want to eat, buy for yourself. This will protect both your reputation and the trust our clients place in us,” he stated.
He highlighted that motorcycle couriers are not only service providers but also investors in the sector, contributing significantly to Ghana’s logistics and delivery industry.
Mr. Abugri further emphasized that the profession has helped reduce unemployment by providing thousands of young Ghanaians with income-generating opportunities. “Given this contribution, governance and regulatory bodies must consider our members in all policy and decision-making processes,” he added.
“Riders are not merely employees; they are stakeholders whose views and concerns must be included in regulatory discussions,” he stressed.
He urged regulatory authorities to engage in constructive dialogue with the union, ensuring that policies are transparent, fair, and reflect the realities of the sector.
According to Mr. Abugri, proper collaboration between riders and regulators would improve road safety, strengthen service delivery, and foster a mutually respectful working relationship.
In conclusion, he appealed to all stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, service providers, and the public, to recognize the critical role of motorcycle couriers in Ghana’s growing delivery sector and to work together to create an enabling environment for their operations.
