The Deputy National Director of the Traders and Artisans Network of the National Democratic Congress (NDC-TAN), Bright Botchway, has urged the Okada Riders Association to throw their support behind the NDC in the upcoming elections.
Addressing a group of okada riders at Adade-Kakraba in the Central Region, Botchway emphasized the commitment of the NDC’s Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, to create more job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youth.
He detailed Mahama’s ambitious plan to legalize okada operations and make transportation more affordable, with the establishment of charging stations for electric bikes across every district in the country.
He underscored that each of these stations would necessitate a workforce of no less than five individuals, with specific roles:
Technicians (2 Workers): Responsible for the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of the charging equipment to ensure smooth and efficient operation.
Attendants (3 Workers): Responsible for customer service and operational management, assisting customers with charging their vehicles, handling payment transactions, and maintaining cleanliness and safety at the charging station premises.
Considering the scale of this plan, Botchway highlighted the significant employment potential it holds.
He emphasized that with Ghana’s current 261 Districts, the implementation of just 20 charging stations in each district would potentially create about 26,100 jobs for the youth across the country. He said even with this modest projection, the prospects for job creation are highly significant.
Botchway also emphasized the adaptability of these charging stations, noting that their potential for around-the-clock operation to cater to both commuters and businesses alike.
Botchway reiterated the transformative impact of Mahama’s commitments and urged okada riders to throw their support behind the NDC. “By aligning with the NDC’s vision, the riders would be playing a pivotal role in realizing a future with enhanced job prospects and improved livelihoods for Ghana’s youth,” he stated.
Botchway outlined several key measures proposed by Mahama’s administration to further promote the adoption of electric motorbikes, including offering subsidies and incentives, investing in infrastructure development, implementing supportive policies, and encouraging local manufacturing. These measures, according to him would not only promote the adoption of electric motorbikes but also reduce pollution and provide a sustainable transportation option for Ghana.
By Lawrence Odoom