The commercial use of motorcycles popularly called ‘Okada’, is a preferred mode of transport by many to beat traffic congestion.
Even as commercialized motorcycle transport gains ground in some African countries, there are calls to either ban it or regulate its operations in Ghana.
In Rwanda’s capital Kigali, there is a best practice Ghana can adopt for the ‘Okada’ business.
It is now a common occurrence to hear the sound of commercial motorcycles as they meander through traffic. It a preferred mode of transport used by many passengers to beat vehicular traffic.
Careless riding by some Okada operators has unfortunately led to hundreds of pedestrians and riders being killed or maimed.
In Ghana and some West African countries including Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Liberia and Sierra Leone, the use of motorbikes for commercial purposes is popular among the populace.
Governments in these countries have however not been able to regularize it.
The National Road Safety Authority estimates that the chances of dying from a motorbike crash remains 10 times higher than a car, but that has not stopped the proliferation of the use of motorbikes for commercial purposes.
In Rwanda, the use of motorbikes for commercial purposes is a source of income for over twenty-seven thousand (27,000) youth and their families.
The rules of engagement include; no carrying of a passenger without a helmet and strict compliance with all road traffic regulations.
The riders are branded with unique identity and stationed at designated spots along the roads where they are supposed to park and wait on passengers.
At the main transport yard in Kigali, the riders patiently wait for their passengers. Kelvin is a Rwandan resident and he is grateful to their government for the initiative.
“For us, it’s a blessing. If you can wake up in the morning and go about looking for something, you know you are safe. It’s a good thing and a good opportunity.’
A motor rider, who identifies himself as Modest told me he makes close to 10,000 Rwandan francs on daily basis. That is equivalent to 8.0 dollars but a significant amount of money in their local currency.
Here, regulations are strictly enforced. The Rwandan Government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo is optimistic Ghana can learn some lessons from Rwanda’s example.
‘It’s a work in progress, but what has really worked in this is working directly with the people in the sector. The motorists are organized into associations. So, expectations are made clear that they need to get organized and they are allowed to take the lead and ask for the support they need to get organized. These are discussed together with the regulator.
It’s not easy, but we have got to the point where everyone understood the need for safety. If we have managed to do it here, then it is possible to be done elsewhere. It’s only a matter of really engaging directly with the people in the sector and making them understand what is important for the people.’’
Mahama’s Okada promise out of selfish interest for power – Okoe Boye
Ahead of the December 7, 2020 elections, then candidate of the National Democratic Congress, John Mahama promised to legalise the use of motorcycles for commercial transportation. He contended that it provides jobs for the youth of this country.
This policy proposal was, however, condemned by some stakeholders who were concerned about the possible increase in road traffic accidents that it might cause.
By Sarah Apenkroh 3news.com