West African Regional Director of CUTS International, Appiah Kusi Adomako, has criticized the government’s decision to legalize Okada (commercial motorbike operations) for public transport, urging that it be viewed as a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution.
Speaking on Prime News on ABC News GH on Tuesday, February 11, Adomako explained that the Okada phenomenon is an indication of the government’s failure to prioritize proper urban mobility systems.
“Okada is a pessimist that has shown our public urban mobility policy has failed,” said Adomako. He emphasized that if the government had better invested in mass transport, there would have been no need for Okada.
“If we had invested more into mass transport and made it work properly, no one would prefer Okada,” Adomako argued, referencing the previous government’s attempt with the Aayalolo service, which he termed a failed policy.
A Call for Sustainable Transport Solutions
Adomako urged the government to view Okada as a short-term solution, stating that it should expire within ten years at most.
“This Okada streamlining should be expiring in a maximum of ten years. By that time, we should have high-speed trains, multi-transit systems, and proper roads. People will not prefer Okada,” Adomako stated.
Adomako’s comment falls on the back of the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, giving the go-ahead for the legalization of Okada for commercial use.
Minister Nikpe, also the MP for Saboba, directed the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to immediately begin the registration and licensing of Okada riders, aiming to improve road safety compliance and reduce accidents related to motorbike use.
During his first day in office, Nikpe visited the DVLA and other transport agencies, where he instructed them to prioritize the registration process.
Ruth Sekyi – ABC News GH
