Motorbike commercial riders, popularly called Okada in Ghana has released a press statement asking the incumbent party NPP to give a clear picture on what they will do for the riders should they retain power come 2020 general elections.
According to the release by the association of Okada riders in Ghana, the party has failed to assure them of a giving them the opportunity to work in the country without unnecessary arrest.
The statements read:
We the people of Ghana Coalition of Okada Owners and Riders of Ghana at their maiden meeting have resolved and wish to by this statement to call on the New Patriotic Party Government led by H.E. Nana Akuffo Addo to publicly state their official position on the legalization of Okada a discussion which has taken a wave in our political space recently.
As a group which would be affected directly by the outcome of this discussion and we wish in earnest to know the position of government whether or not it is considering legalizing okada or otherwise especially now that some government communicators notable among them are the National Youth organizer of the NPP, Mr Henry Nana Boakye and a Presidential Staffer, Nana Hesse Ogyiri have personally made known their position to us.
As a Coalition with thousands of members across the country, we are worried about the reactions from some government communicators on the policy position of the flagbearer and leader of the NDC, Mr Mahama during his interaction with people of Kpando when he met on his campaign tour.
Mr. Mahama stated clearly his position on the legalization and regulation of Okada business when given the opportunity to lead the country again as President come January 2021. This declaration was met with mix reactions from some CSOs, some government communicators and the general public to the extent that it is now being rumored that the NPP government will completely abolish OKADA business in Ghana if they win their second term bid.
With, the possible abolishing our business – the source of our livelihood, though being treated as romour has sent fears and panic among us amidst the obvious mix reactions from the public some of whom are government communicators and this has necessitated the call on government to officially state it’s position.
It is a public knowledge that okada today serves as a major source of livelihood and mean of transportation to many households in Ghana following this some notable CSOs and our mother association have moved to support the legalization and regulation of okada business in Ghana.
In shaping public discourse, we want government to take measures with huge consideration of costs in terms of job loss when this business is phased out.
We are hereby calling on government as a matter of necessity to publicly state it’s position before NDC finally outdoors it’s manifesto for the 2020 general elections.
Signed:
ALBERT ELIKEM FIA
0249952156
CONVENER
KELVIN KOKOROKO
0249962538
PRO
JEMIMA BOAKYE YIADOM
MEMBER ASHANTI TAFO
JIBRIL OSAM
NORTHERN REGION
SAMUEL KOFINTI
EASTERN REGION
BOATENG ERIC
GREATER ACCRA
