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The largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said that the Akufo-Addo-led NPP government is planning to legalize the operations of 'Okada', their campaign promise, but the Deputy Information Minister has debunked that assertion.

He explained that the consultative meeting of the Transport Minister with the stakeholders, industry players, and interest groups was meant to ascertain the risk factor in the operations of the Okada business and come up with the best way to address the issue.

Speaking on Okay FM’s 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, Pius Enam Hadzide outlined that the consultation with the stakeholders helped the Transport Ministry to know that accidents involving Okada is three times higher and death is 16 times higher, making the business riskier than any other means of transportation.

He pointed out that the consultation with stakeholders in Okada business did not mean that the Akufo-Addo government has thought of legalising the business; acknowledging that some of the people even in government thought it was prudent to legalize the Okada business.

“The fact that we had a consultation with stakeholders in Okada business did not mean that we are bringing Okada business. I am sure that the NDC did not understand our stakeholder consultation. We only sought to establish that we don’t do things on impulse without thinking hard and deep about it and realizing the true implications and ramifications of that policy move . . . ” he explained.

He hinted that looking at the risk associated with the Okada business, the Akufo-Addo government is finding a way to get jobs for them as many of the people working with Okada wish for another business.

“Many of the Okada riders are doing the Okada business due to lack of jobs .. . they are saying that it is not their wish to use Okada for business,” he indicated.