The Member of Parliament for Akim Oda, Hon. Alexander Akwasi Aquah, has called for strict enforcement of safety regulations following Parliament’s passage of the Road Traffic Amendment Bill, which legalizes the commercial use of motorcycles, popularly known as Okada.
Speaking after the approval of the bill, Hon. Aquah expressed mixed feelings about the development, stressing that while the legalization was inevitable, the safety of citizens must remain a top priority.
According to him, Okada-related accidents have long posed a serious public health concern. “A lot of our young men are losing their limbs and legs. Most of the cases reported at accident centres are from Okada,” he noted. He warned that legalizing the sector should not become an excuse for lax oversight.
The MP acknowledged that Okada transport has become an entrenched part of Ghana’s mobility system due to its speed and reliability. However, he cautioned that the safety risks remain high. He also pointed out the economic shift toward motorcycles, noting that the cost of one taxi could purchase up to six motorbikes, making Okada a more attractive investment for commercial operators.
Hon. Aquah urged government to complement the new law with broader, safer transport alternatives. “They will make their money, but what about our constituents who rely on these services? Government must introduce other forms of transport so the people do not suffer,” he said.
He further called on the Police and the MTTD to rigorously enforce regulations to ensure that legalization does not worsen the already high rate of motorcycle accidents in the country.
Watch full video interview below:
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
