Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, emphasized that the operations of Okada have generated more job opportunities for the youth and should be managed for safer use.
He reiterated his 2020 campaign promise to legalize the operation of motorbikes for commercial purposes.
“We are going to regulate it, and as done in other countries, it will be well-regulated with riders being taught safe driving methods. Currently, due to the lack of regulation, anyone can acquire a motorbike, learn to ride briefly, and the next day, they are riding as an Okada rider. How many of them even have licenses for those motorbikes? We don’t know,” Mahama pointed out.
He further stated, “We shouldn’t ignore the issue; we bury our heads in the sand, calling it illegal. However, we can’t stop it as it provides income for many young people. Therefore, we should make it safer and easier to identify those involved. Regulating it would also help distinguish legitimate riders from those who use motorbikes for criminal activities.”
This information was shared during an interview with the media. In the meantime, data from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly in 2020 indicated that the Okada business had already created livelihoods for 800 people and continues to grow.
Nana Ama Nyamekye/Ahotoronline
