Commercial motor riders in Ashaiman have undergone an intensive road safety and health orientation organized by Rotaract clubs in Ghana in collaboration with several state institutions and private partners.
The program, held at the Ashaiman Sakasaka Park on Friday, May 23, 2026, focused on educating, empowering, and promoting safer roads for riders within the municipality and beyond.
The initiative brought together Rotaract Ghana, Crystal Hospital, the Ghana Police Service, the Narcotics Control Commission, the Ghana National Fire Service, the National Ambulance Service, E-moto, and the National Commercial Moto Riders Union. Organizers said the exercise formed part of efforts to improve rider welfare, reduce road accidents, and encourage responsible behavior among commercial motorcyclists.
Health professionals from Crystal Hospital conducted free medical screenings for riders, including blood pressure checks, urine and protein tests, blood sample collection, and eye examinations. Doctors at the venue reviewed results instantly, offered medical advice, and provided basic medication where necessary.
According to the medical team, the screening aimed to detect early signs of hypertension, diabetes, kidney complications, and vision problems that could affect safe riding.
Officials from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service educated riders on traffic regulations, emergency response procedures, and road safety practices, while the Narcotics Control Commission cautioned riders against drug abuse.
Speaking on behalf of the Commission, an official warned that some riders rely on drugs before beginning their daily activities, stressing that substances such as marijuana, cocaine, and tramadol negatively affect the body, impair judgment, and could eventually destroy users’ futures.
“Some riders think taking drugs gives them energy to work, but these substances are dangerous to your health and your future. Stay away from drugs and focus on protecting your life and the lives of passengers,” the official advised.
The National Ambulance Service also trained participants in first aid response and emergency reporting procedures, while E-moto and the National Commercial Moto Riders Union focused on safe riding standards and operational compliance.
Speaking at the event, DSP William Awere, MTTD Commander for the Ashaiman Division, urged riders to obey traffic laws and prioritize safety at all times.
“Obey traffic lights. When the light is red, stop. Your safety is in your hands during your operations,” he stated.
DSP Awere disclosed that between January and May 2026, the division recorded nine vehicle accidents and 13 okada accidents, resulting in eight deaths and two serious injuries linked to motorcycle crashes.
He advised riders to wear helmets, protective eyewear, reflective vests, and proper footwear while avoiding dangerous practices such as lane splitting and riding in the middle lane during heavy traffic.
National Spokesperson for the National Commercial Moto Riders Union, Mr. Akpanaba Solomon, also called on the government to expedite the rollout of E-moto bikes and legalize commercial motorcycle operations as promised. He noted that electric motorcycles are cheaper to maintain and more environmentally friendly.
Mr. Solomon blamed many road accidents on poor rider training and the lack of proper licensing. He explained that some riders learn informally from relatives without undergoing professional instruction.
He appealed to individuals who purchase motorbikes for riders to first engage the union to ensure proper training and licensing procedures are followed. He also urged the youth to stay away from drugs.
Organizers say the outreach forms part of Rotaract Ghana’s broader commitment to expanding similar rider education and safety campaigns to other communities across Rotary District 9104.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah
