Government initiates consultations with stakeholders on legalization of ‘Okada’: Transport minister reveals

General news for Thursday, September 10, 2020

Source: Happy 98.9FM

2020-09-10

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Transport Minister Kweku 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 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 Dramani 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 section that advocates for the legalization of the commercial use of motorcycles.

Despite the earlier debate, Kweku Asiamah said that the government’s decision to hold stakeholder consultation 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 rule this country the best we can, and what will be in the interest of this country. “

Mr. Asiamah stated that stakeholder views after consultations will influence the government’s decision.