The National Union of Tricycle Operators of Ghana (NUTOG) in the Upper East Region is demanding speedy justice over the alleged killing of one of its members, Akolbila Akolbire Blessing, popularly known as Jah Bless, following a reported dispute over GH¢1,500 in unpaid daily savings.
According to NUTOG, Jah Bless, a tricycle operator based at Dulugu in the Bolgatanga East District, was allegedly assaulted by four people over his inability to meet his daily payment obligations to the owner of the tricycle he operated.
The union said information provided to it by the bereaved family indicated that the victim was first taken from his home and assaulted after allegedly falling behind on payments that had accumulated to about GH¢1,500.
NUTOG said the attackers allegedly returned later under the pretext of taking Jah Bless to hospital, but instead took him to another location where he was allegedly subjected to a second and more severe assault.
The union said he was eventually rushed to a health facility before being referred to the Upper East Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
NUTOG further alleged that after his death, the suspects transported his body home and, later in the night or early hours of the morning, secretly placed it in his room and fled.
Addressing the media at Jubilee Park in Bolgatanga on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, NUTOG Upper East Regional Secretary, Victor Amobila, who read a statement on behalf of the union, said the circumstances surrounding Jah Bless’s death had left operators across the region angry, traumatised and concerned about their safety.
He stressed that the union was seeking justice through lawful means and would not encourage members to retaliate.
“We are not only pleading for justice for our brother, Jah Bless, but we are fighting for justice for all tricycle operators.”
NUTOG commended the Ghana Police Service, particularly the Bolgatanga East District, Bolgatanga Municipal and Upper East Regional Police Commands, for the arrests made in connection with the case.
The union said it had been informed that two of the suspects voluntarily reported themselves to the police and assisted investigators in locating the other alleged perpetrators.
NUTOG is demanding three key measures: speedy and fair justice for Jah Bless, adequate compensation and support for his bereaved family, and improved security for tricycle operators across the Upper East Region.
The union also raised concerns about what it described as the broader vulnerability of tricycle operators, saying some operators face abuse when they challenge customers or vehicle owners over payments and other disputes.
Mr. Amobila said the union would continue to pursue the matter legally if members’ concerns were not adequately addressed.
“If justice is not served, it is obvious we are going to take another legal dimension.”
He, however, appealed to members to remain calm and allow the police and judiciary to handle the case.
NUTOG said it would support the family during Jah Bless’s funeral and burial and called on the Upper East Regional Minister, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to join the campaign for justice.
The union maintained that tricycle operation has become an important part of the region’s transport system, providing livelihoods for thousands of young people and transporting passengers and goods across communities.
NUTOG said the death of Jah Bless should therefore serve as a wake-up call for stronger protection of tricycle operators and respect for their rights. The union ended by reiterating its commitment to peace and justice, saying it would not allow the incident to trigger disorder in the region.
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