Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, has directed an immediate suspension of the enforcement of courier licensing regulations following widespread protests by delivery riders.
The Ghana Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission, on Tuesday, August 20, launched a strict operation in Accra targeting unlicensed courier operators. The exercise, conducted in collaboration with the police, led to the arrest of several riders and the seizure of their motorbikes.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, August 21, the minister said while the intention behind the operation was to bring order to the courier industry, the approach required more consultation.
“I have directed this afternoon an immediate halt to the ongoing enforcement action by the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission. The action, in conjunction with the Ghana Police, is a necessary activity to bring some sanity and order to the use of motorbikes for delivery purposes as stipulated by law. However, I believe the Commission needs to do more stakeholder engagements and public sensitisation before the enforcement activities commence,” he wrote.
Mr George emphasised that although the law must be applied, it should be done in a humane and inclusive manner.
He announced plans to meet with courier industry stakeholders in the coming days to develop an agreeable roadmap for implementation.
The minister’s intervention follows a petition by courier motor riders to the Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, earlier on Thursday.
The petition came after several motorbikes were impounded during the Commission’s enforcement exercise.
The riders described the licensing fees as prohibitively high and discriminatory, arguing that unlike drivers on ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt—who operate with just a driver’s license—courier riders are compelled to secure additional permits at significant cost.
They warned that the burden of licensing could strip many of them of their livelihoods and worsen youth unemployment in the country.
“We cannot afford these charges. It is unfair and will push many of us out of work,” the petitioners told the YEA boss, urging him to intervene on their behalf and negotiate a reduction in fees.
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