The Motorcycle Couriers Union of Ghana (MCUG) has challenged the government’s courier certification policy, describing it as unfair and lacking tangible benefits for riders operating within Ghana’s rapidly expanding delivery sector.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Abugri Timothy Agengri, the union acknowledged the efforts of the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, in engaging stakeholders and working toward a regulatory framework for the courier industry.
MCUG also commended the Postal and Courier Regulatory Commission (PCRC) for addressing some concerns raised by couriers but stressed that recent developments have raised serious questions about the overall direction of government policy.
According to the union, the current enforcement posture contradicts earlier assurances given by the minister. MCUG cited a September 9, 2025, social media post by the minister in which he indicated that certification would come with benefits, including direct access to courier platforms.
The union questioned what has changed since that assurance to justify what it described as a sudden move toward compulsory certification without corresponding incentives for couriers.
MCUG further queried the relevance of the regulatory body if it lacks the authority to set operational rules for digital platforms and courier applications, arguing that regulation should go beyond issuing certificates and actively safeguard workers’ interests.
“The value of the certificate is critical,” the statement emphasized, noting that without incentives such as reduced platform commissions or guaranteed access to courier apps, couriers have little motivation to pursue certification.
The union stressed that governance must prioritize citizens over businesses, warning against policies that appear to favour digital platforms at the expense of ordinary Ghanaian workers struggling to earn a living.
Referencing the 1992 Constitution, MCUG noted that no individual or business entity enjoys absolute rights, arguing that while businesses have limited rights, the rights of citizens must take precedence in policy implementation.
The union concluded by calling on the ministry to urgently review the certification agenda in the interest of fairness and social justice, cautioning that unresolved grievances among couriers could disrupt app-based delivery services across the country.
FULL STATEMENT!
Dear Honorable Minister Sam George,
The Motorcycle Couriers Union of Ghana (MCUG) would like to express our appreciation for your engagement with stakeholders and the efforts of the Ministry of Communication in working toward a fair regulatory framework for Ghanaians. We also commend the Executive Secretary of the Postal and Courier Regulatory Commission and his team for addressing some of the concerns raised by couriers.
However, with all humility, we wish to raise some critical questions. As you often say, “laws are made to serve humans and not the other way round.” We draw your attention to a post on your Facebook page dated September 9, 2025, in which you stated that if couriers obtain a certificate, certain benefits would follow, such as the ability to join platforms directly. We therefore ask:
1. What has changed since then to warrant this apparent shift in approach?
2. What is the purpose of the regulatory body if it cannot set rules or guidelines for the sector or intervene in the operations of platforms and apps? Is its sole purpose to issue certificates?
We respectfully remind you that governance is for the people, by the people, and for the people—not for businesses alone. We urge you to reconsider the enforcement of a law that cannot compel couriers to obtain a certificate. Rather, we suggest enhancing the value of the certificate to make it attractive and worthwhile for couriers to pursue.
The value of the certificate is crucial. If it does not offer tangible benefits—such as access to platforms or reduced commissions—what incentive is there for couriers to obtain it? Are we prioritizing businesses over the ordinary Ghanaian citizen?
We also wish to highlight that the Constitution of Ghana does not grant absolute rights to any individual or entity. Businesses enjoy limited rights, while individual rights take precedence. If the Ministry cannot interfere in platform operations, how then can it interfere with the rights of couriers? Does the Ministry have the mandate to intervene if couriers choose to act in their own interests, even if such actions affect platforms?
We respectfully urge you to revisit these important issues. Should couriers decide to disrupt app activities in Ghana, will the Ministry support them as citizens? We seek fairness and equitable treatment and respectfully call on your Ministry to review these matters in the interest of all Ghanaian couriers.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
ABUGRI TIMOTHY AGENGRI
General Secretary
Motorcycle Couriers Union of Ghana (MCUG)
