PIRAN-GH calls for legalisation of Okada

The Public Interest Research and Advocacy Network Ghana (PIRAN-GH) is calling for the legalization of the use of motor cycle popularly known as ‘Okada” for commercial passenger transport.

A statement signed by Felix Djan Foh – President PIRAN-GH said the usually bad roads particularly in the hinterlands and heavy traffic situations in Ghana’s capital and other major cities has increased the use of motor/tricycles for commercial purposes despite legislation outlawing it use for same in 2012.

According to the group, “It is obvious the police have lost control enforcing regulation 128 (1-4) as these are becoming major means of transport in almost every town, city or community in Ghana because of their urgent and pressing needs in arrears while vehicles cannot go and cannot as well be a walking distance.”

PIRAN-GH is appealing to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Ghana Police Service to consider reviewing the law under regulation 128 on road traffic regulations in the status to allow for the use of motorcycle and tricycle for commercial services in areas where their use is badly needed.

“It has now become major means of transport in our farming communities in Ghana, and we can attest to it importance in assessing health care and attention, carting of food stuffs, firewood among others”; the statement further said.

However, “in spite of the regulations outlawing of motorcycles for commercials, use of same is on the ascendency and wish to add our voice to allowing it usage with strict regulations to be enforced by MTTD of the Ghana police service to reduce it abuse and accidents since they form basis for their disbandment for fare paying services”.

“These motorcycles benefit to rural workers and dwellers cannot be underestimated, it has now become a public interest concern and therefore necessary to have a stakeholder’s engagement on this subject of allowing or disallowing the use of motorcycles for carrying goods and humans for a fare which the people are willing to patronize any day and time”.

credit: Apt News Desk