Former President John Mahama has said he will legalise the use of motor bicycles for commercial purposes in any form if he wins this year’s elections.
He said he recognises the benefits of the ‘Okada’ business to families in Ghana hence, the decision to have a second look at the law prohibiting such business.
Mr Mahama said he will, however, regulate the trade properly.
At the moment, Okada transport business is prohibited by the Ghana’s Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (L.I 2180).
While addressing chiefs and people of Kpando in the Volta Region as part of his tour of the region, Mr Mahama said: “There are many young people who have finished school but can’t find any job so they look for what they can do. There are many young people you see riding motorcycles and transporting people from place to place. We call it ‘okada’.
“But in our laws, Okada is illegal. But in reality, Okada has become part of us. It has come to stay and you can’t stop it. So I have suggested that when we come into office, we will legalize Okada but we will regulate it.”
“We will regulate it and give them the necessary training so they are able to conduct their business in a safe manner. They must obey all the traffic regulations in order to be able to go about their profession,” he said.
By Laud Nartey|3news.com|Ghana