The Coalition of Okada Owners and Riders of Ghana has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to state his position on the raging debate about the legalization of motorcycle transport business popular called Okada.
According to the Coalition which membership is made up of owners of commercial motorbikes, the ongoing conversation around the legalization of Okada or otherwise would have an effect on their business.
“As a group which would be affected directly by the outcome of this discussion and we wish in earnest to know the position of government whether or not it is considering legalizing okada or otherwise especially now that some government communicators notable among them are the National Youth organizer of the NPP, Mr Henry Nana Boakye and a Presidential Staffer, Nana Hesse Ogyiri have personally made known their position to us,” a statement signed by the group’s convener said.
Former President John Dramani Mahama during a campaign tour of the Volta region promised to legalize and regulate the Okada business if he is elected into office as President.
The disclosure has sparked a new wave of conversation and attracted mixed reactions from stakeholders in the transport sector.
The Coalition noted that, the business is a major source of livelihood which must be considered, a reason the governing New Patriotic Party must state its position on the issue.
“As a Coalition with thousands of members across the country, we are worried about the reactions from some government communicators on the policy position of the flagbearer and leader of the NDC, Mr Mahama during his interaction with people of Kpando when he met on his campaign tour,” the statement added.
It stated further “It is a public knowledge that okada today serves as a major source of livelihood and mean of transportation to many households in Ghana following this some notable CSOs and our mother association have moved to support the legalization and regulation of okada business in Ghana.
In shaping public discourse, we want government to take measures with huge consideration of costs in terms of job loss when this business is phased out.
We are hereby calling on government as a matter of necessity to publicly state it’s position before NDC finally outdoors it’s manifesto for the 2020 general elections”.
