The Motorcycle Couriers Union of Ghana (MCUG) has petitioned the National Youth Authority (NYA) to intervene in what it describes as persistent harassment, intimidation, and extortion of its members by officers of the Ghana Police Service, particularly those at the Tesano Division of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD).
In a letter dated October 27, 2025, the union expressed deep concern over the growing cases of arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions, and confiscation of motorcycles belonging to its members, which it says are crippling the courier industry and affecting livelihoods across the country.
According to the petition, despite the couriers’ commitment to operate within the confines of the law, they have become targets of constant police intimidation. The MCUG described the conduct of the MTTD officers as “unjustified, unprofessional, and detrimental to national productivity.”
The General Secretary of the Union, Mr. Abugri Timothy Agengri, who signed the petition, appealed to the NYA to use its good offices to call for an immediate cessation of the alleged harassment of riders by police personnel. He argued that the situation is creating unnecessary tension and fear among youth who depend on delivery services for survival.
He further disclosed that some members of the union have had their motorcycles impounded without due process, while others were allegedly detained for hours or days without being charged. These actions, he said, have disrupted the smooth operation of courier services that provide essential logistics support to businesses and households.
The union, therefore, called on the NYA to initiate a high-level investigation into the ongoing standoff between motor riders and the Tesano MTTD division. It proposed that a joint committee be established, comprising representatives from the MCUG, the Ghana Police Service, and other relevant stakeholders, to ensure transparency and fairness in addressing the grievances.
MCUG also urged that the findings and recommendations of such a committee be swiftly implemented to prevent future conflicts between police officers and couriers. It stressed that fostering mutual respect and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and delivery service operators would improve public safety and job security.
The petition further emphasized that many Ghanaian youth rely on motorcycle courier work as a legitimate source of income, and any continued harassment could worsen unemployment and social frustration. The union noted that delivery services have become a vital component of the modern economy, connecting small businesses to customers across the country.
Mr. Agengri expressed confidence in the National Youth Authority’s ability to mediate and find a lasting solution to the issue, given its mandate to promote youth welfare and development. He said the union looks forward to an immediate and favorable response to restore hope among its members.
The petition concluded with a strong call for fairness, justice, and collaboration, urging authorities to recognize the contribution of motorcycle couriers to Ghana’s economic growth and to protect their rights as law-abiding citizens.
Read the full statement below!
MOTORCYCLE COURIER UNION – GHANA
October 27, 2025
The Chief Executive Officer,
National Youth Authority,
Accra, Ghana.
Dear Sir,
PETITION: Urgent Attention to Ongoing Police Harassment of Motorcycle Couriers and Investigation into MTTD Tesano Division Matters
We, the Motorcycle Couriers Union of Ghana (MCUG), humbly submit this petition to bring to your attention the distressing situation our members are facing at the hands of the Ghana Police Service, particularly the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) division.
Despite our efforts to operate within the bounds of the law, our members have been subjected to harassment, intimidation, and extortion.
Recent events have taken a disturbing turn, with some of our members arbitrarily arrested, detained, and their motorcycles impounded without due process. This has disrupted livelihoods and affected delivery services that many Ghanaians rely on. We believe this treatment is unfair and unjustified, and we therefore urge your office to intervene.
We respectfully request the following:
1. That your office uses its good offices to call for an immediate cessation of the harassment of motorcycle couriers by the police, particularly the MTTD division.
2. That a committee be set up to investigate the ongoing case between motor riders and the Tesano MTTD division. This committee should comprise representatives from our union, the Ghana Police Service, and relevant stakeholders to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.
3. That the committee’s findings and recommendations be implemented to prevent future occurrences and foster a better working relationship between motorcycle couriers and the police.
We believe your office is well-positioned to facilitate a lasting resolution and ensure that the rights of our members are protected.
We look forward to your prompt attention to this petition and a favorable response.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
ABUGRI TIMOTHY AGENGRI
General Secretary, Motorcycle Couriers Union of Ghana (MCUG)
+233 54 594 2063
