The Greater Accra and Central Regional Executives of the Commercial Motorbike Riders Association, popularly known as ‘okada’ operators, have pledged to support any political party that have their welfare at heart.
This comes after the Flagbearer of opposition National Democratic Congress (NCD), John Dramani Mahama promised to legalise the okada business if he wins power again .
Speaking at a press conference in Ashaiman in the Greater Accra region, the leadership said, they are ready to vote massively for any government that will legalise their operations.
According to Samuel Antwi, Secretary of the Central Regional branch of the Association, who read the statement on behalf of the group, their demand for the legalisation and regularisation of their operations is to ensure safety on the roads, adhering to road safety measures and prevent constant harassment from security agencies.
He said the regularisation of their operations will not only make their business lucrative and attractive to the teeming unemployed Ghanaian youths, but would also help identify and expose persons who use the Okada business to perpetrate crimes in the country.
Chairman of the Accra and Kasoa branch of the Okada Riders Association, Alhaji Issah Abubakar, added it was time government saw their operations as a national asset which needs every legal backing to operate, due to their immense contribution to the economy and social development.
He said, they cannot comprehend why MMDCEs and politicians patronise their business for their election campaigns and other programs, but fail to give them the needed recognition.
He said they will vote for any political party that backs their operations.
Some executives of the association who added their voice to calls for the regularisation of the Okada business, said the Okada business has come to stay, and it would be prudent for the government of the day to see the positive gains in the business, as being recorded in other African countries.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Philip Azu