Two Suspects Held Over Brutal Killing of Female 'Pragya' Rider in Bono East

The Ghana Police Service has apprehended two young men believed to be responsible for the murder of a female tricycle — commonly known as a 'pragya' — rider in the Trede District of the Bono East Region. The suspects allegedly lured the woman into transporting them before fatally attacking her and making off with her vehicle, in a case that has sent shockwaves through communities that rely on tricycle transport for their livelihoods.

How the crime unfolded

According to police investigators, the deceased was hired at Ampabame Lorry Station in Kumasi on 29th October by the two suspects, who requested transport to Afrancho, near Konkoli. Once they arrived at the destination, the pair allegedly turned on the rider, killing her before fleeing with her green Bajaj tricycle.

The suspects — Peter Nchor Asadigina, 21, and Mudasel Dramani, 19 — were tracked down and arrested on 30th October at Hansua in the Bono East Region, following a tip-off received by the police. Officers say the two were travelling in the direction of Techiman at the time of their arrest, reportedly intending to settle there and use the stolen tricycle for commercial purposes.

A search of the suspects led to the recovery of several items linked to the crime, including a number plate bearing registration number M-26-AE 2047, eight mobile phones — among them an iPhone 12 Pro believed to have belonged to the deceased — three SIM cards, an MTN MiFi device, a bunch of keys, two lighters, and a jackknife cover. The body of the victim has been deposited at a mortuary pending an autopsy as investigations continue. Both suspects remain in police custody.

Why it matters for Ghana

The murder highlights the very real dangers faced by tricycle riders — a group that forms a critical part of Ghana's informal transport network, particularly in peri-urban and rural communities across the Ashanti, Bono, and Bono East regions. Pragya operators, many of whom work independently and without security support, are increasingly vulnerable to violent crime, as their trade requires them to accept passengers they do not know and travel to unfamiliar locations.

Female tricycle riders face an even greater layer of risk. Women who have entered what is traditionally a male-dominated occupation often do so out of economic necessity, and incidents like this one can discourage others from pursuing such livelihoods. Community advocates and transport unions have in recent times called for better safety mechanisms for riders, including passenger identification systems at lorry stations — a measure that could prove critical in cases like this.

The speed of the arrest — within just 24 hours — reflects positively on the Ghana Police Service's use of community intelligence. The tip-off that led to the suspects' capture underlines the importance of public cooperation with law enforcement agencies, particularly in regions where police resources can be stretched.

Police reaffirm commitment to public safety

The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its dedication to protecting citizens and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes face justice. Investigations into the full circumstances of the killing are ongoing, and prosecutors are expected to formally charge the suspects in due course.

Transport operators and residents in the Bono East Region have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station. This case serves as a sobering reminder of the security challenges facing Ghana's informal economy workers, and the urgent need for structured safety measures to protect them.