The Commercial National Motor (Okada) Riders Union has appealed to government to drastically reduce the cost of registering motorbikes and acquiring riding licences as part of efforts to legalise their operations.
In a statement reacting to comments by the Transport Minister, Joseph Nikpi Bukari, the union welcomed the move to regularise their business but insisted that current costs remain too high.
“We wished our businesses would have been legalised by now, but we will still keep enduring till the time government is working to get the legalisation done completely,” the union said.
The riders emphasised that the motorbike number plate registration fee was “too expensive” and called for a 70 percent reduction from the current cost, in addition to lower charges for riding licences.
They stressed that the merit of legalising their business was just as important as addressing affordability. “The merit of the legalisation of our business is as crucial as the reduction of the cost of the rider’s licence as well as the cost of the number plate registration of the bikes,” the release noted.
According to the union, their expectations from government, particularly President John Dramani Mahama, go beyond legalisation and must also take into account the financial burden on riders. “We want to remind government especially His Excellency John Dramani Mahama our beloved President that our expectations from government apart from legalising our business are as follows,” the statement pointed out.
READ: High licence and registration fees could stall okada legalisation – riders warn gov’t
They cautioned that ignoring these concerns would undermine government’s efforts. “On the other hand if the above disturbing concerns are ignored, the entire efforts made by government regarding okada operations in Ghana will not be appreciated as expected,” the statement added.
This comes after Transport Minister Joseph Nikpi Bukari announced that Cabinet had approved the amended Road Traffic Regulations Bill, paving the way for Parliament to consider legalising commercial motorbike services when the House reconvenes. He explained that the new law will make okada passenger operations lawful by the end of the year once the amendments are passed.
READ: Exploitation of junior doctors will no longer be tolerated – JDA
The Minister further indicated that the legislation will introduce stricter requirements for riders and their bikes. Riders will need a licence specifically for carrying passengers, and operators must belong to recognised unions which will work with the DVLA to provide training and certification. Mr Bukari stressed that both riders and motorbikes must meet safety and roadworthiness standards, adding that unions will play a central role in ensuring compliance.
Below is a copy of the statement:
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
