Okada (Motor Cycle) business is one of the fastest means of transportation in Ghana today, expecially in communities with no or bad roads. This is despite the fact that it is illegal to transport passengers with Okada on commercial basis in the country.
Regardless of the dangers associated with the business, it appears most people in rural Ghana have accepted it as the only means of transport. Even in some urban communities it has become the alternative means of employment to a lot of youth as they seek refuge to sustain themselves due to the high rate of unemployment in the country – the Shai Osudoku Constituency is no exception.
It is in this regard that the Honourable Member of Parliament (MP) for the Shai Osudoku Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, Linda Obenewa Ocloo, has apealed to the current government to consider ligalising the operations of Okada business in the country to enable those operating it to openly seek education on the use of Okada to reduce the high rate of Okada accidents in the country.
The MP made thw appeal in an interview with Ghananewsonline.com.gh after a get together meeting with okada riders and drivers in her area to mark the New year festivities at Dodowa the District capital.
As part of her compassion and care for her people in the Constituency, the MP took the opportunity of the Christmas and New Year festivities to invite the Crime Officer, the MTTU Boss and the Divisional Police Commander of the Dodowa Divisional Police Command to educate drivers and okada riders in the Constituency on road safety.
As part of the meeting there was a buffet dinner hosted by the MP who is also the Deputy ranking member of the Government Assurance Committee of Parliament. She announced the enrollment of about 500 Okada Riders on an insurance premium worth Ghc3000 per head. Ghc1000 is set to cater for the injured rider who would involve in an accident and Ghc2000 to the family in cases where the rider loses his life.
She also surprised them with a Christmas package by donating rice, oil, goat and 1000 Ghana cedis to the taxi drivers union.
The MP also made a donation to the Traditional Council and promised to work hand in hand with them for the betterment and development of the Constituency.
Source: William Dei-Gyau
