Annoh-Dompreh presenting some of the helmets to the okada riders
Majority Chief Whip, also Member of Parliament (MP) for Nsawam-Adoagyiri in the Eastern Region, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has given assurance that he will work to pass a law regulating the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes, popularly referred to as “okada”.
According to Annoh-Dompreh, majority of young people in the okada business are dying, and they urgently need to be protected from the hazards.
Speaking at the Nsawam Methodist Park, where he donated over 200 helmets to some okada riders to support their activities, he asserted that the riders are actively helping passengers, particularly when they become stranded at various stations, and that their assistance shouldn’t be disregarded.
Annoh-Dompreh disclosed that an okada rider was left to his fate at a hospital after being involved in an accident, and without his intervention, the on-duty nurses would have left the rider unattended too.
According to him, they nearly avoided him since he was an okada rider.
He then counselled the riders to always keep a safe distance from situations that could endanger their lives as they go about their duties.
“I’m worried that we need to take action on the okada matter. As I have a close relationship with the President and the entire executive branch of government, I will make sure that the government takes action to regularise the okada business because we cannot sit by and watch what is happening,” he said.
He urged the drivers to be responsible, adopt all necessary safety precautions, and refrain from drinking alcohol while operating their motorcycles.
The Nsawam/Adoagyiri MP further advised them to use the helmets for the intended purpose rather than selling them, to preserve their lives in the event of an accident.
“The okada business is challenging, so be prepared to assist one another. The job is risky, so please as you are riding, try to stay in your designated lanes to prevent collisions,” he cautioned.
BY Daniel Bampoe