AGONA WEST MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY ENGAGES EXECUTIVES OF THE OKADA RIDERS ASSOCIATION

6TH MAY 2025

The Agona West Municipal Assembly on Monday, 5th May 2025 held a crucial meeting with the executives of the Okada Riders Association ( Agona West Branch) to discuss challenges facing their operations and them modalities for the legalization of commercial motorcycle also known as Okada business in Ghana proposed by the President H.E. John Dramani Mahama.

The engagement, described as "fruitful" by the okada riders, provided a platform for them to voice their concerns, which included poor road conditions, police harassement, excessive checkpoints, difficulties in obtaining licenses and the lack of hire-purchase schemes for motor cycles, among others.

Key Concerns Raised by Okada Riders;

During the meeting, the riders outlined several pressing issues affecting their livelihoods:

1. Bad Roads: Some roads in the municipality are in poor condition, increasing the risk of accidents and making transportation difficult.

2. Police Harassment and Extortion: The riders lamented frequent harassment, extortion, and multiple police checkpoints, which they say hinder their operations.

3. Lack of Hire-Purchase Schemes: Acquiring motorcycles remains a challenge due to the absence of flexible payment plans, making it difficult for low-income riders to own their bikes.

4. Licensing Difficulties: Many riders struggle to obtain the necessary licenses and documentation due to bureaucratic bottlenecks.

5. Need for Training and Sensitization: The riders requested regular training programs on road safety and proper road usage to enhance professionalism.

Additionally, they pleaded with the MCE to facilitate a dialogue between their association and the Ghana Police Service to address issues of harassment and extortion.

MCE’s Assurance and Immediate Actions;

In response, Hon. Eric Gyamfi Odoom commended the riders for their cooperation and assured them that their concerns would be addressed promptly. He pledged to:

- Organize a stakeholder meeting involving the Ghana Police Service, the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), and other relevant agencies to address their grievances.

- Advocate for hire-purchase arrangements to make motorcycles more accessible to riders.

- Push for road maintenance and improvements to enhance safety.