Business motor-riders in Keta-Anloga welcome President’s plan to formalise sector 

By Benard Worlali Awumee

Anloga (V/R), March 1, GNA – Business motorcycle riders, popularly generally known as okada operators, within the Keta and Anloga municipalities have expressed blended reactions to President John Dramani Mahama’s announcement to legalise and regulate their enterprise. 

Throughout the 2025 State of the Nation Deal with (SONA) on Thursday, February 27, President Mahama revealed plans to formalise the okada sector. The initiative goals to create employment alternatives for the youth and enhance transportation in each city and rural areas. 

Following the announcement, the Ghana Information Company (GNA) engaged some okada riders throughout the two districts the subsequent day to collect their views 

Chatting with GNA at Srogboe-Savietula, some riders welcomed the transfer, citing improved security and job safety. 

“We trip cautiously as a result of we all know there isn’t a insurance coverage protecting us in case of an accident. So, we’re joyful President Mahama needs to make our enterprise official,” a rider at Srogboe said. 

“Not all of us have a driver’s license, so, the proposed coaching and licensing will make us extra skilled,” Consider Dorkenoo, a rider at Vui Junction, added. 

Consider highlighted the frequent Police harassment they face because of the casual nature of their enterprise. 

In the meantime some riders claimed the transfer will push them out of enterprise citing their lack of ability to finance the license and different associated necessities.  

To them, the brand new transfer with give room to the Police to harass them extra  

President Mahama’s proposal consists of introducing laws, offering coaching for riders, imposing licensing, and implementing strict security measures to scale back the excessive accident charges related to business motorcycle operations. 

Though Okada providers have been operational in Ghana for many years, reviews point out that motorbike accidents contribute to roughly 30 per cent of highway crashes within the space. Nevertheless, the sector stays a vital mode of transportation, notably in areas with restricted entry to standard public transport. It has additionally supplied employment alternatives for a lot of younger Ghanaians, serving to to scale back crime and different social challenges. 

GNA