The hashtag #BoycottBolt, for the past couple of days, has been trending on Ghanaian social media, particularly on the X platform.
The hashtag took off when an X user narrated her story of physical assault by a Bolt driver.
The incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism against the popular ride-hailing app, raising concerns about passenger safety and demanding accountability.
Details
Initial reports suggest the female passenger was assaulted by her Bolt driver in Accra on Saturday, 29th January. The victim’s account on the story, which was shared on social media, stated that she was assaulted by a Bolt driver where she sustained several injuries and had her phone confiscated.
Users expressed anger and frustration at the incident, with many calling for an immediate boycott of the Bolt app until the company takes decisive action.
Gaining Traction
The hashtag #BoycottBolt quickly gained traction, becoming a rallying point for some Ghanaians demanding justice for the victim and improved safety measures from Bolt.
Users shared their own experiences with the app, raising concerns about driver vetting, background checks, and inadequate safety protocols. The outcry highlights the growing anxiety about passenger safety in Ghana, particularly for women who rely on ride-hailing services.
Bolt Ghana’s Response
In response to the mounting pressure, Bolt Ghana has issued a statement expressing their “deep concern” about the alleged incident and assuring the public of a thorough investigation. They have also pledged to provide the victim with any necessary support.
Safety for Riders
There have been previous cases of alleged violence against female riders from Bolt Ghana drivers. Although Bolt has added safety features to its app including audio recording and driver selfie verification, most of those safety features are currently only available in South Africa.
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