Dr. Proper Detti, interacting with some of the riders
A total of 100 Okada riders are undergoing a five-day intensive training programme aimed at enhancing their riding skills and knowledge of road safety measures.
The initiative comes as part of efforts to ensure safer and more efficient motorcycle transportation in Ghana ahead of the government’s plans to commercialize the sector.
Dr. Proper Detti, the Chief Financial Officer of Gold Coast Mobility Innovations Limited, popularly known as Okadamotto, spearheaded the training.
Speaking at the event on February 24, 2025, Dr. Detti emphasized the importance of equipping riders with defensive riding techniques, road sign interpretation, and accident prevention strategies.
“This is a limited liability company established to ensure safe, fast, and convenient driving and riding in Ghana, with a focus on motorcycle riders,” he stated.
“We want to ensure that they ride in a safe, convenient, and fast manner. This pilot program of 100 riders over five days has been designed to teach defensive riding, road signs, and accident prevention.”
He further noted that they are open to collaborating with the government to enhance motorcycle transportation in the country.
“If the government decides to come on board, we can collaborate to ensure a fast, safe, and convenient motor riding system,” he added.
Some of the participants expressed their appreciation for the training, acknowledging that it had significantly improved their awareness of road regulations.
Ishaak Haruna, a participant, shared his experience, “I started riding a motorcycle in Accra in 2014, but this programme has helped me understand road signs better.
“Before, I would see road signs and bypass them without knowing their meaning. Now, I realize that I was risking my own life.”
Basiru Imoro, known as Asomdweehene Manprusi in the Greater Accra Region, also highlighted the significance of the training.
“This training has been conducted so that we riders can understand road signs. There are laws and regulations guiding road usage, and it is important for our own safety,” he remarked.
The training session which spans from February 24, 2025, to February 28, 2025, is the first phase of a series of training activities lined up to enhance the capacity of Okada riders across the country.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has announced the government’s plan to officially license Okada riders as commercial transport providers.
During a recent visit to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) office in Accra on February 10, 2025, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to regularizing the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes.
“You may recall that we made a campaign promise to regulate the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes. That process starts today. We are now examining the necessary regulations and legal frameworks to allow them to operate commercially,” Minister Nikpe stated.
He further assured that the initiative would ensure that Okada riders receive proper training and licensing, contributing to safer roads and reduced congestion.
“Our brothers in the Okada business will now have their own licenses, be certified, and be well-trained to transport passengers safely,” he added.
AM/KA
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