Transport Ministry Announces Meeting With Okada Riders Over Legalization

The Transport Ministry has announced that it is about to commence engagement with commercial motorcycle riders (Okada) over its newfound intent to legalizxe their operation.

The announcement was contained in a release by the Ministry.

According to the government, the meeting has already begun somehow and that the engagement it is talking about will just be second phase.

Many have seen the NPP government’s sudden decision to engage the so called Okada riders over legalization of the trade as hypocritical and populist. This is because the Akufo-Addo government suddenly saw the need to legalize the trade when former President John Mahama, who is Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) announced in August that the NDC will legalize Okada if it is voted into office.

However, the government has claimed that the decision is not a kneejerk reaction to the former President’s manifesto promise, saying there had long been ongoing engagement with Okada riders that was cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a press release Friday, the government said it had already “sought to assess the implementation of the Road Traffic Regulations, and, in the process, needed to consult stakeholders, industry players and interest groups on the provisions in the law.”

According to it, some of the groups involved in the process include the Ghana Institute of Planners, Ghana Automobile Dealers Association, Ghana National Association of Driving Schools, Ghana Association of Driving Instructors, National Road Safety Authority, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, Motor Traffic and Transport Department and Okada Riders Association among others.

“The Ministry, between March and November 2019, held consultations with various organizations, regional administrations and local authorities.

“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the final stage of the stakeholder engagement is expected to commence in October 2020, and a report presented before Cabinet for consideration,” the release dated 11th September said.

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