Okada: Ghana’s Next Time-Bomb?

The internal security of Ghana is certainly balancing on a tight rope, with a possible implosion looming, if something drastic is not done about two basic issues: the influx of undocumented aliens into the country, and the uncontrolled proliferation of commercial motorcycle (Okada) in the country.

Even though government is scoring some fairly good marks in its handling of galamsay, and some nagging chieftaincy disputes in the country, indications are that the issue of ‘Okada’ can cause greater security havoc if not crushed.

The phenomenon, which has creeped into the country’s mainstream transport sector, With our lazy attitudes, we have ignored the dangers it poses, has taken over our cities. In fact, it is no more a rare sight to see clusters of motorcycles under trees and around curbs.

Worst of all, riders gather with impunity as if it is their God-given right to promote this menace. Other than the fact that they pose a great danger to pedestrians and motorists alike, they are brazenly lawless. Now, it Some are even found on clear patches of terrain off bus stops. Though some may be innocent many Okada riders are camouflaged armed robbers. It is important to note that Okada operators have formed a healthy conduit for armed robberies. Some Okada riders are armed robbers, by their own credentials, while others are informants or agents.

Okada riders know the nooks and crannies of the cities they operate within. The thieves in their midst earmark their targets for robberies.

The need for Okada and its attendant risk are lending credibility to the calls for a relook at the existing legislation. Rather than a ban, stakeholders are calling for regularization of the trade.

The head of education at the Motor Traffic and Transport Department [MTTD] of the Ghana Police service, Superintendent Alexander Kwaku Obeng, has called for a relook at the law that prohibits the use of motor cycles for commercial purpose.

In 2012, the use of motorbikes for commercial transport in the country was outlawed under Regulation 128 (1 – 4) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 which states that: “The licensing authority shall not register a motorcycle to carry a fare-paying passenger.”

The law also prohibits any person from using a motorcycle or tricycle for commercial purposes except for courier and delivery services, while it also prohibits pillions from riding on a motorcycle or tricycle as paying passengers. Offenders are liable to fines or imprisonment.

The existing legislation notwithstanding, the patronage of this service is on the ascendency across the country.

The surge in the use of Okada is also leading to rising incidents of crime, accidents, and violations of road traffic regulations involving motorcycles.

Figures from the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) show that in 2014 alone, 2,571 people were knocked down by motorists out of which 1,856 lost their lives.

In 2015, 2,289 motorcycles were involved in road crashes nationwide while in the first quarter of 2017, about 708 road users died from 4,049 road accidents, with 3,983 others sustaining various degrees of injury.

The killing of the NDC vigilante in Kumasi

Two, some crimes have been committed through Okada. For instance, Ahmed Hussein Suale was shot by criminals on Okada.

Three, Okada has been and continue to be a major cause of fatal road accidents in Ghana as users violate traffic regulations.

Ethiopia banned Okada recently

Okada is a criminal business. Those who engage in it do so illegally.

The Time to act is now