The National Union of Tricycle Operators Ghana has endorsed the new regulations for the commercialisation of Okada business in Ghana.
The Union believes the new regulations will enhance their activities, maintain discipline and, most importantly, ensure adherence to traffic regulations.
National Secretary of the Union, Hafis Hamza, said the Union was consulted before the new regulations were drafted.
Per the new regulations, individuals willing to operate a commercial motorcycle or tricycle, popularly known as ‘okada’, can only do so if they belong to a recognised tricycle transport union or are employed by a licensed commercial motorcycle company.
The legislative instrument also requires that riders be at least 25 years of age as part of the provisions being draughted to amend the existing one, Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (Legislative Instrument 2180).
Reacting to this, Hafiz Hamza noted that there are currently two recognised unions for the Okada business by the name National Union of Tricycle Operators and
“The formulation of the new law to commercialise Okada is commendable. It demonstrates that we have leaders who listen to the people. We are extremely grateful to President John Dramani Mahama. Our union was part of the delegation that was constituted by the Ministry of Transport to go to Rwanda to go and understudy their system and how it operated.
He has therefore appealed to Ghanaians to support the government to successfully implement the new regulations.
“One thing we saw and want to do in Ghana is unionise Okada riders. Rwandan law prohibits you from operating an Okada business unless you are a member of a union or association. Typically, individuals who wish to engage in illegal activity do not want to join unions. The adoption of these new regulations will undoubtedly impose restrictions. It is preferable for the government to regulate our industry than to disregard it.”
“We are appealing to Ghanaians to support the new regulations and the associated restrictions to prevent the accidents, indiscipline and other traffic breaches on our roads. The commercialisation of Okada business will create more jobs and opportunities in Ghana and also reduce crime rates.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
