Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Roads and Transport Committee, has revealed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) maintains its position on not legalizing commercial use of “okada” in the country.
Mr. Agbodza contends that the incumbent government strongly believes that the okada business is not safe after several attempts to get it legalized.
Speaking in an interview, the Member of Parliament for Adaklu said claims by the Transport Minister cannot be true.
“We have already started consultations with people since 2019. But coming up with such a policy is not about speed but accuracy and getting the right people.
“The National Road Safety Commission as early as last week is still saying that this okada thing is dangerous. So, if the Minister is saying that they are doing consultation and those involved are saying that the thing is dangerous, it tells you that, the government is not ready to legalize okada. I was told that we were even going to be recalled by Parliament to deal with it and now we are told Transport Minister, Kwasi Ofori Asiamah, says the NPP government has begun stakeholder consultations to decide on whether to review the law banning the commercial use of motorcycles or implement it.
Governs Agbodza made the comment following claims by the Transport Minister, Kwasi Ofori Asiamah, that the NPP government has already begun stakeholder consultations to decide whether or not to review the law banning okada.
“We as a government know that this is a matter that we need to take our time to confront the people, come out with their views and that, will determine the law that should be put in place,” Mr. Asiamah said.
According to him, laws are meant to be changed depending on the times, adding that, if amending the law will be a better option, government will not hesitate to do so.
This comes after John Mahama in August promised his government will legalize the commercial operation of motorbikes popularly known as Okada if voted into power in 2021.
According to him, the Okada business has become a means of sustenance for young people who are unemployed.
Mahama’s promise on legalizing okada
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has promised to legalize okada operations should he be elected President on December 7, 2020.
Mahama averred that the okada business is a lucrative job for the youth who have not been privileged to find one.
“There are many young people who have finished school but can’t find any job, so they look for what they can do. There are many young people you see riding motorcycles and transporting people from place to place.
“But according to our laws, okada is illegal. But in reality, okada has become part of us. It has come to stay and you can’t stop it. So I have suggested that when we come into office, we will legalize okada but we will regulate it. We will regulate it and give them the necessary training, so they are able to conduct their business in a safe manner. They must obey all the traffic regulations in order to be able to go about their profession”.
