The tricycle Operators Association of the North East Region has described former President John Mahama’s promise to legalize ‘Okada’ operation in the country if elected in the December polls as an attempt to put them out of business.
Addressing a press conference in Nalerigu on Monday, 5th October, Mr. Makom Binjensheim Abu the interim president of the association expressed outright rejection to the proposed legalization since it will increase crime rate because that was the reason it was outlawed.
‘‘- we out rightly reject the proposition for its legalization and will urge well- meaning Ghanaians to do same’- the association stated.”
They questioned why the former president would want to legalize something he outlawed while in government and has has suddenly become a major campaign promise.
“we want to ask, what has changed?” They quized.
The 2020 manifesto of the national democratic congress has among other things promise to legalize commercial motor bike business also known as ‘okada‘to boost the economy as it will create jobs for the youth.
According to former president Mahama, though the okada business is currently illegal it is still operational and supporting many sectors of the economy hence regularizing it is inevitable.
But, according to the Tricycle Operators legalizing ‘okada’ is not a sustainable way to create decent jobs for the teaming unemployed youth in the country as it is a life ‘’threatening business’’ and an endorsement of armed robbery and other similar crimes. They claim there is no single armed robbery without the use of a motor bike.
‘‘ we think that legalizing ‘okada is not only a lazy man’s way to job creation but a deliberate attempt to hoodwink the electorate just to get their votes’’- Mr. Abu stated.
They stated that out of a total of 2000 road accident deaths in the country about 500 to 800 of them are as a result of motor cycle accidents thus legalizing ‘okada’ will lead to an increase in the number of road accidents and deaths.
Section 128(1) of the Road Traffic Regulations,2012 prohibits the licensing authority from registering a motorcycle to carry fare-paying passengers.
By:Adekurah Wisdom.