Members of the Okada Riders Association of Ghana (ORAG), together with the National Union of Tricycle Operators Ghana (NUTOG), have embarked on a demonstration to demand the legalisation of commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations in Ghana.
The protesters say the government has failed to fulfil its commitment to create a legal framework for okada operations, despite the sector receiving assurances that its activities would be legalised.
The demonstration, being held on Wednesday, August 12, is intended to put renewed pressure on the government to act on the issue, which has remained a major concern for commercial motorcycle riders.
Speaking during the demonstration, one of the riders said many members of the association supported the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 elections because it promised to legalise okada operations.
“We belong to the Okada Riders Association. We worked hard to help the NDC. Why did we work for them? The reason we worked for them is that they promised that if they came into power, they would legalise okada, commercial motorcycle operations, for us. That is the issue,” he said.
According to him, the continued absence of legalisation has left riders vulnerable to frequent police harassment and restrictions in parts of Accra.
“Because legalisation hasn’t happened yet, the police are harassing us everywhere. Wherever you go, the police are targeting us. If you go to Kaneshie, you can’t operate. Sukura, you can’t go. Now they have started in Central as well. Jamestown is the same,” he stated.
The rider expressed frustration over what he described as the government’s failure to address the concerns of a group that actively supported the NDC’s campaign.
He said riders made significant sacrifices during the election campaign, including purchasing campaign clothing and mobilising support for the party, based on the expectation that their operations would be legalised once the NDC assumed office.
“We are a party that has sacrificed for you. We even bought clothes to campaign for the NDC. So why is it that after winning power, you won’t legalise okada for us?” he added.
