Mr. Tony Dickson Afriford, a Road Crash and Injury Prevention Analyst, has cautioned against making the legalisation of ‘Okada’ a partisan issue, emphasising the need for a national approach to its regulation.
Mr. Afriford told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the decision regarding Okada legalisation should be based on safety concerns rather than political promises. He noted that even Nigeria, which introduced Okada, had banned them for commercial purposes due to the high rate of accidents and fatalities associated with their usage.
He explained that motorcycle-related crashes have led to significant loss of lives and life-threatening injuries. He pointed out that Rwanda has a lower fatality rate due to its well-constructed roads, separate lanes for pedestrians, and strict enforcement of traffic regulations. Therefore, Ghana should not focus solely on commercialising Okada without implementing the necessary safety measures.
“The originators of Okada are Nigerians, but now they have banned Okada for commercial purposes because they said it was one of the biggest mistakes they made as a country, with a high number of fatalities. When it comes to this Okada issue, I am surprised that we, as a country, want to copy Rwanda when we don’t have better roads,” he stated.
Mr. Afriford mentioned that most Okada riders do not use certified helmets and warned that if adequate precautions are not taken, Ghana may not meet the United Nations’ goal of reducing fatality rates by half by 2030.
The road safety expert also pointed out that a significant number of Okada riders in the country are foreigners who do not understand the local language and do not have the proper permits to work in Ghana.
He further stated that political influence in the regulation of Okada would make it difficult for law enforcement officers to carry out their duties due to political interference. He called for a national approach to address the challenges posed by Okada legalisation and urged stakeholders to prioritise public safety over political gains.
Mr. Afriford acknowledged that Okada businesses provide employment opportunities and serve as a means of transportation in areas with poor road access. However, he stressed the need for a comprehensive approach, including infrastructure improvements, strict enforcement of traffic laws, and proper training for riders. Safety, he emphasised, should be the top priority in any decision regarding the commercialisation of motorcycle use.
He called for the president to chair the committee considering Okada legalisation and to hold a national dialogue where experts can provide their advice on the issue.