Two Members Of Parliament Propose Amendment Of Law On Okada Use After Parliament Outlawed It

Two MPs, Albert Ziga and Nii Laryea Afotey, have proposed the gradual phasing out of the use of motor bikes for commercial business instead of a total ban. They said a total ban will deprive communities which use them as a means of transport of their livelihood. The use of motor bikes for commercial purpose known as Okada was outlawed by Parliament last week. Mr Zigah whose community is one of many which Okada business is flourishing, suggested the introduction of tricycles to replace the motor bikes. He joined colleague MP, Nii Laryea Afotey in calling for the law to be amended. The Director of Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation of the National Road Safety Commission, Mary Obiri Yeboah, however said the use of Okada if not banned will be difficult to regulate in future. She said countries that have good transportation systems do not depend on the use of Okada. She disclosed that Nigeria which has gained notoriety in the business has advised Ghana not to entertain it. Meanwhile, the MTTU Commander, ACP Awuni, says his outfit will strictly enforce the LI which bans the use of motorbikes for commercial business. Speaking to Radio Ghana, ACP Awuni said any politician who feels aggrieved should follow the procedure used in revoking laws. His comments come in the wake of a call by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nill Laryea Afotey Agbo, suggesting that the law be suspended.