Okada Driver Declares Support For John Mahama Amid Okada Legalization

Recall, when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Mahama said he will commercialize Okada Business if he wins the upcoming December polls.

The Okada operators came out to praise the former president for including them in his policies for the country.

Later on, there was pressure on the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government to also respond, they however took a different stand.

Vice-president in his speech stated categorically, the NPP will never legalize the Okada business. This statement caused the Okada drivers to heat up against President Akufo-Addo administration.

The Okada Riders Association of Ghana has described the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) stance against the legalisation of commercial motorcycle operations as sheer dishonesty.

According to them, the NPP and its flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo have been inconsistent since the debate about legalising ‘okada’ became topical.

The group says the Vice president, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia’s promise of rolling out a policy to enable them swap their motorcycles with VW cars is a clear indication the NPP does not appreciate the need to legalize the ‘okada’ trade.

The Deputy National Coordinator of the group, Kwaku Katei Nathaniel, was speaking at a press conference to react to the political parties’ manifesto on the legalization and regulation of ‘okada.’

“The Vice President says the NPP government, when given a second term mandate, will roll out a policy that will enable us swap our motorcycles with Volkswagen (VW) cars. This is one of the laughable items in the wish list of Dr Bawumia and the NPP. A promise like this is a clear indication that the NPP bigwigs do not appreciate the need for ‘okada’ legalization.

“Our cities are congested so when you promise to give each ‘okada’ rider a VW car, it will worsen the already uncomfortable traffic situation in Ghana. Secondly, people living in places in rural areas where only ‘okada’ can go would be deprived of their means of transportation if the Vice President’s promise is actualized,” he explained.

They used the opportunity to make an emphatic declaration to support President John Mahama and the NDC’s People’s Manifesto.