Ghana’s road-safety authorities have urged motorists to treat cyclists as equal road users as preparations continue for PRURide 2026, with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) pledging their support for a safer event.
Speaking at the launch, National Director of Operations of the MTTD ACP Dr Samuel Sasu Mensah said the Ghana Police Service was prepared to work alongside the organisers to improve conditions for cyclists and encourage more responsible behaviour on the country’s roads.
“PRURide is not just about convenience; it is also about dignity and safety. MTTD stands ready to partner with PRURide to make Accra a model city for safe commercial riding,” he said.
The call for greater protection comes as PRURide continues to develop from a cycling competition into a broader campaign focused on road safety, environmental responsibility and the acceptance of cyclists in Accra.
Greater Accra Regional Director of the NRSA Mr Joshua Quist said drivers and other road users needed to reconsider their approach to cyclists, who he said were entitled to the same consideration as anyone else using the road.
“Let’s respect cyclists as road users, not obstacles,” Mr Quist said.
He added that improving road safety required a change in mindset, with cyclists recognised as fellow travellers who have an equal claim to the road.
The 2026 initiative involves a range of sporting and public-sector organisations. The Ghana Cycling Federation, Ghana Olympic Committee, Ghana Police Service, NRSA, National Sports Authority, University of Ghana Sports and Wellness Directorate and RITE Sports Services are among its partners.
PRURide was launched in 2019 with 200 cyclists. Participation has since increased, reaching about 400 riders in 2025.
Solomon Tagoe won last year’s men’s elite race, while Mary Samuel took the women’s title. Organisers are expecting further growth for the seventh edition, particularly through increased involvement from students.
The initiative is backed by Prudential Life Insurance Ghana and will begin with a 30 km Fun Ride at the University of Ghana on Saturday, 22 August.
That event will precede the main PRURide Elite Race, scheduled for 6 September at the Borteyman Highway. The men’s race will cover 112 km, while the women’s event will be contested over 67.2 km.
The MTTD and NRSA support is intended to reinforce the event’s wider message that cycling should be safer and more widely accepted on Ghana’s roads. Alongside the competitive element, PRURide is being used to promote cycling, responsible road use and a greener environment.
