Member of Parliament for Okaikoi Central in the Greater Accra Region, Patrick Yaw Boamah is questioning the rationale behind the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) promise of legalizing the commercial use of motorbikes popularly called ‘okada’.
According to him, it is shocking that the opposition party is considering this alternative over the provision of more sustainable jobs for the teeming unemployed youth of the country.
Speaking on the Point Blank segment on Eyewitness News, Mr. Boamah who doubles as the Deputy Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources expressed shock at the NDC’s leader, John Mahama for taking advantage of the plight of the ordinary Ghanaian to promise them indecent job options.
“I think the okada legalization has become a political issue that we ought to look at. What was the wisdom of the NDC and John Mahama for making that business illegal? There was no wisdom in it. You go across the world, what makes that business illegal? Government has put in a place a system to create sustainable jobs for all. You ask yourself if these gentlemen have sustainable jobs, will they be engaging in this activity? So why will someone want to capitalize on people’s weak financial position or quest for finding jobs and promise to legalize what you know is not right in terms of proper job creation? That is my worry with the NDC.”
The promise to legalize Okada has been largely discussed within the media space, with a number of people describing it as a false promise.
Some have criticized the former President over the idea, saying that it is populist and would cause more harm than good.
However, members of the NDC have defended it, citing the job creation prospects of okada.
John Mahama, who wants critics of his promise to stop acting like “ostriches”, maintains the okada business has come to stay.
According to him, okada is the only means of transport for some people in some parts of the country.
NPP’s alternative
The governing NPP has said, it will not succumb to pressure to make ‘okada’, a legal means of commercial transport.
Describing the operationalisation of okadas in the country as a “risky business”,
Vice President, Dr. Mahammudu Bawumia described okada operation as a risky business. He said the governing party has a better alternative by offering okada drivers new cars to operate with on lease basis.
“You don’t want to finish graduate school and then make a life from okada riding. You can have a better option, and we will give you a better option. So yes, we will not legalise the okada business in Ghana. It may be a tough decision but it is in the interest of Ghanaians. We are having discussions, but we will stick to our decision to provide a better alternative for the okada riders. Let give them an opportunity to buy safer vehicles through lease and pay over time. It is a better option than what the alternative is”, he said.
