The town of Sawer, a sub of Somanya, was rocked by tragedy on Saturday, May 3, 2025, after a 30-year-old tricycle operator, Samuel Otu was brutally lynched and his tricycle, popularly known as Pragya, was set ablaze.
The incident, unfolding in the early hours of the morning, has left residents in shock, struggling to understand how such violence could erupt so close to their homes.
The incident, unfolding in the early hours of the morning, has left residents in shock, struggling to understand how such violence could erupt so close to their homes.
Otu, a native of Okperpiem, another suburb of Somanya, was reportedly stripped naked and beaten by unknown assailants at around 2:30 a.m.. By the time authorities arrived, his lifeless body lay near a gutter at Dorhetso, with his burning tricycle beside him, with the registration number M-23-GR 7942, a grim scene that has raised many questions.
Investigators followed a trail of blood leading to a nearby house, where they discovered Otu’s clothing. One officer revealed that reports suggest he was attacked in front of that house, yet no residents claimed to have seen or heard anything during the night
“When we got there, he was lying in a supine position around the gutter naked and his pragya was burnt. We traced the blood stains to the end and we realised that his dresses were in front of a house. According to the intel that we had, he was beaten over there, in front of that house,” investigators said.
While the full motive behind the attack remains unclear, unconfirmed reports suggest that allegations of theft involving the victim and some passengers may have sparked the assault.
His body was taken to the Yilo Krobo District Hospital, where doctors confirmed his death. Police are still investigating, and no arrests have been made yet. Authorities are asking for help from the public to solve the case.
New Okada laws and rider Safety
This tragedy comes at a time when Ghana is introducing new laws for Okada and Pragya riders. The government wants to increase safety and accountability by requiring riders to be at least 25 years old, have a valid license, and belong to a registered transport union. These rules aim to reduce accidents and protect riders, but some fear they may limit job opportunities for young people.
A call for safer roads
While the new Okada regulations are a step in the right direction, enforcement will be key. Authorities must ensure that riders follow the rules, and communities must work together to prevent mob justice and protect lives.
