Accra: The Commercial National Motor Riders Union (CNMRU) has firmly denied accusations that the NDC government has abandoned commercial motorbike riders following their engagement during the 2024 general election campaign.
According to Ghana Web, the National Public Relations Officer of the Union, Setsoafia Quarshie Pascal, addressed these allegations in a press statement, asserting that they are baseless and fail to acknowledge the government’s initiatives to legalise and regulate commercial motorcycle operations in Ghana. He highlighted that after the 2024 elections, the government established a technical committee to research and consult with stakeholders on legalising and regulating Okada operations.
Quarshie Pascal elaborated that the CNMRU has been actively involved in this process, advocating for the interests of commercial motor riders nationwide. He revealed that a delegation including key stakeholders visited Rwanda to study its commercial motorcycle operations and regulatory practices. This delegation comprised the CNMRU Chairman, Mohammed Tijani; National Road Safety Authority representative Abraham Amaleba; Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) leadership, including Hon. Julius Neequaye Ko Tey; and the Minister responsible for Transport, Hon. Abubakari Nikpe.
The visit aimed to develop a sustainable and effective framework for regulating Ghana’s commercial motorcycle operations. Quarshie Pascal noted that a relevant bill is currently before Parliament, progressing through the legislative process toward presidential approval. He cited the formation of the technical committee, stakeholder consultations, international regulatory studies, and initiatives like mobile DVLA services and licensing support as proof of the government’s dedication to the sector.
Furthermore, he mentioned ongoing efforts to modernise the commercial motorcycle industry, including introducing electric motorcycles. The CNMRU urged the public and Okada riders not to be swayed by misinformation intended to disrupt the ongoing process. The Union reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the government, Parliament, the DVLA, the National Road Safety Authority, and other stakeholders to ensure that the legalisation and regulation of Okada operations enhance safety and protect riders, passengers, and road users.