By Mabel Esinam Awagah
The flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has reiterated his decision to operationalise the commercialisation of motorbikes, commonly referred to as “okada,” when he gets the nod in the upcoming presidential election. He said he is also negotiating with a company to produce electric motorbikes for “Okada” riders.
He said this promise was in NDC’s manifesto for the 2020 election but was marred with a lot of criticism. Mr. Mahama, when addressing the Okada riders at Ashaiman, emphasised that the Okada business has contributed to employment, offering over One million jobs to the youth.
Mr. Mahama noted that the legalisation will take effect as soon as he is sworn in as president on January 7, 2025.
He, however, urged vehicle users to respect motorists when using the road. He said the legalisation will also involve education for Okada riders and vehicle users on road safety.
“I want to assure all Okada riders across all regions that, when I assume office as the next president in 2025, I shall legalize Okada. We are repeating that promise in our 2024 manifesto. Your freedom as Okada riders will be handed to you as soon as I am sworn in as president on January 7,” he said.
The former president said, “When I was leaving office in 2016, the unemployment rate stood at 8 percent but as I speak to you, the unemployment rate is hovering around 14.7 percent. What I mean is, that if the Okada riders were not operating, the unemployment rate would be around 20 percent.”
On the issue of insurance, Mr. Mahama said he would implement an insurance package for Okada riders and their passengers. He noted that riders will have special license plates to indicate they have been authorised to operate.
He emphasised other regulations, including the use of reflectors to make them more visible when on the road.
Mr. Mahama further revealed that he is on course to bring two companies on board to produce electric motorbikes that will not rely on fuel. He said he would be doing all these for Okada riders out of respect for their business.
He, however, advised them to also obey road regulations to prevent accidents on the road.
