The Motorcycle Operators Association has welcomed the decision by the ruling government to license their operations.
The association says this was a positive news and a fulfilment of the promise President John Dramani Mahama made to them during the campaign period in 2014.
General Secretary Majid Amadu said that the move was a step in the right direction and that they were grateful.
The government has announced plans to review the law that would legalise motorcycle operation (Okada) to operate commercially in the first quarter this year.
The Minister of Transport, Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, last week announced that the ministry was working together with stakeholders to revise laws in order to allow Okada to operate freely in the country.
“You remember we made a campaign promise that we’re going to regularise the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes; it is starting from today,” he said.
Majid Amadu responded by stating that Okada businesses in all regions are currently creating job opportunities for the youth. We face a number of challenges as a result of its illegality. The National Democratic Congress promised to legalise our activities. The NPP told us they would not legalise our activities and proposed that we join a scheme that would provide us with vehicles, but 90% of Okada riders voted for Okada’s legislation, and after winning the elections, he has begun to implement it.
The transport minister invited us to a meeting and assured us that the government will keep its campaign promise. We are very grateful to President Mahama.
He identified some of the challenges they faced, such as the influx of Burkinabes into the Okada business.
He revealed that 60% of the Okada population are Burkinabes.’60% of Burkinabes have taken over the company. They do not participate or attend any meetings. The motorcycles aren’t registered. They misbehave on our roads, causing us problems. We will discuss the issues with the minister and devise solutions.
Majid Amadu believed that the legalisation of the Okada business would allow these individuals to engage in illegal activities.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
