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The Transport Ministry has said it will begin a stakeholder consultation exercise on the legalization of the commercial motorcycle business, popularly known as ‘Okada’ in the country.
The commitment, which according to the government is entering its second phase, is aimed at seeking input from all interested agencies and organizations.
John Mahama promised in August that his government would legalize the business operation 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.
But the government says talks have already started under the Akufo-led administration, which has been temporarily curtailed due to the new coronavirus pandemic.
In 2012, Parliament passed the 2012 Road Traffic Regulation, LI2180, to make the operation of commercial motorcycle businesses illegal.
In a press release on Friday, the government said that it had already “sought to assess the implementation of the Road Traffic Regulations and, in the process, needed to consult stakeholders, industry players and interest groups on the provisions of the the law”.
Some of the groups that are said to have been involved in the process include the Ghana Institute of Planners, the Ghana Automobile Dealers Association, the National Association of Ghana Driving Schools, the Ghana Driving Instructors Association, the National Highway Safety Authority, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, Motor Traffic. and the Department of Transportation and the Okada Pilots Association, among others.
According to a September 11 statement, “the Ministry, between March and November 2019, held consultations with various organizations, regional administrations and local authorities.”
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the final stage of stakeholder engagement is expected to begin in October 2020 and a report will be submitted to Cabinet for consideration.”
However, the government says the second part of the consultations will take place in October in the six new regions, after which a report will be presented to Cabinet.
