Controversial musician cum politician, Kwame Obeng Asare better known as A-Plus has advised President Akufo-Addo to immediately legalize the operation of motorbikes for commercial purposes popularly known as Okada.
According to A-Plus, president Nana Addo must take advantage of his incumbency and legalize the Okada business to neutralize Mahama’s promise.
He insinuated that most of the Okada business operators who are mostly young people are displeased with the confiscation of their vehicles which are left to rot at various police stations and would therefore throw their support behind presidential aspirants who intend to give them the freedom to operate and earn a living.
Dispelling safety concerns raised in arguments against the legalization of the business, the New Patriotic Party activist turned fierce critic asserted that ‘Okada’ operations are not the only caused of the carnage on roads. He contended that other commercial vehicles which contribute significantly to the fatalities recorded on the roads are permitted to operate hence rendering the argument against the operation and the legalization of same invalid.
“John Mahama will legalize Okada “if” he becomes president. Akufo Addo you are the president. Start the process now!!! If you don’t it will affect your chances. Go to any police station in Ghana and you will notice that there are many confiscated Okada sitting outside and left to rot. Boys are not happy,” A plus stated in a Facebook post.
Former president Mahama and Flagbearer of the NDC while addressing people during his tour of Kpando in the Volta Region promised to legalize operations of motorbikes for commercial purposes popular known as Okada. He added that people interested in the business would be offered training and educated on traffic regulations.
Justifying his decision to legalize the Okada business, Mr. Mahama said the business has become a means of sustenance for unemployed young people.
His pronouncement was, however, received with mixed reactions. While a section of the public especially people in the Okada business welcomed the decision others have fiercely opposed the legalization of the commercial operation of motorbikes citing safety issues.
Prominent personalities in the country including Senior Vice President of Imani Africa have since thrown their support behind the NDC’S falgbearer’s promise.
