By: Daniel Asare
With elections looming and the celebration of Christmas gaining considerable attention, there are concerns over frequent road crashes which has reached nightmarish proportions.
This has been attributed to over speeding, reckless driving, non-conformity to road traffic regulations and drunk-driving.
Worryingly, some people have apportioned blame to ‘’Okada’’ riders for their negligence which has cost the lives of others.
However, calls for their activities to be regularized have been welcomed by stakeholders within the transport sector.
Photograph of Michael Kofi Owusu Image by Daniel Asare
National President of the Okada Riders Association of Ghana, Michael Kofi Owusu has clarified the thought-provoking matter.
According to him, their database system contains information on about thirty thousand registered “Okada riders” in the Greater Accra Region whose activities has not jeopardized public safety and security following an engagement with the former President of Ghana and NDC Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama who promised a data base that will create a better system to regularize their operations.
In an exclusive interview with Pan African News’ Daniel Kwabena Asare, the National President of the Okada Riders Association, Michael Kofi Owusu stated emphatically that it is a national security threat to their Association to hear that close to seventy percent of their riders are not Ghanaians and also engage in unethical activities hence the need to create a data collection for all their riders across the country.
“Without a valid Ghana card there is no way you can be registered onto our platform’’ He said.
The ORAG boss further said they visit the various stations where they operate, engage executives and acquaint themselves with valuable information required for registration.
Mr. Michael Owusu finally said that the brain before this data collection is to help their motorists enjoy certain privileges.
Okada transportation has emerged as a vital mode of transport in Ghana over the past decade, offering significant economic benefits.
It has become a cornerstone for many, providing jobs to a substantial number of young people and contributing to the efficient movement of individuals and goods.