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Transport Minister Kwasi Ofori Asiamah says the government of the nuclear power plant has started consultations with stakeholders to decide whether to review the law prohibiting the commercial use of motorcycles or to implement it.
“As a government we know that this is an issue where we must take our time to confront the people, express their views and that will determine the law that must be implemented,” Asiamah said.
He said that laws should be changed when necessary depending on the times, adding that if amending the law is a better option, the government will not hesitate to do so.
This comes after John Mahama promised in August that his government would legalize the commercial operation of motorcycles popularly known as Okada if he came to power in 2021.
According to him, Okada’s business has become a livelihood for unemployed youth.
His comments drew mixed reactions from Ghanaians, with one section supporting while another called for the implementation of the law prohibiting the okada operation.
IMANI Africa Senior Vice President Kofi Bentil added his voice to the public sector advocating for the legalization of the commercial use of motorcycles.
He said that if the government is not ready to “properly legalize and regulate this important transport and economically viable subsector, then it is not ready to run a country like Ghana.”
But reacting to the promise, the Department of Transportation and Motor Traffic, MTTD, said it will be a challenge to regulate the commercial use of motorcycles.
Speaking to JoyNews’ head of research and programs at MTTD, Alexander Obeng said there are other factors to consider, including law enforcement training, deployment, and others.
Transportation consultant and road safety expert Cecil Gabrah also cautioned against using Okada’s business regularization to attract young people to the vote.
“The risk involved is too high. Only in Accra we have many very fatal cases. Talk to Korle Bu Teaching and 37 Military Hospital and they will give you daily death statistics, ”he said.
Despite the earlier debate, Kwasi Asiamah said that the government’s decision to consult with stakeholders has nothing to do with the NDC.
He claimed that the government had started a conversation about revising the law in 2019.
“We are ruling the nation, so our activities are different from someone who is campaigning. We are supposed to govern this county to the best of our ability, and what will be in the interest of this country. “
Asiamah stated that stakeholder views after consultations will influence the government’s decision.
