Richard Ahiagbah urges caution over Okada legalization, cites health and safety risks

Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), criticized President John Dramani Mahama’s plan to legalize motorbike operations (Okadas) in Ghana.

Mahama believes that legalizing Okadas will help reduce youth unemployment. He argues it will create jobs in the transport sector.

However, Ahiagbah warns that this proposal could harm public safety. He spoke on Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV about the risks involved.

Ahiagbah stated that legalizing Okada businesses now would increase accidents for riders and pedestrians. “They ride Okada not because they enjoy it but because they are unemployed,” he said. He added, “If you become president and decide to legalize Okada business, you have failed on arrival.”

He highlighted a rise in motorcycle-related accidents in Ghana. Emergency centers are overwhelmed with crash victims already. Ahiagbah believes Mahama’s plan would worsen these dangers.

“Legalizing Okadas under current circumstances increases risks to everyone,” he warned. He noted a concerning trend of rising injuries and fatalities from motorbike accidents.

Ahiagbah emphasized that any changes to Okada laws should consider public health and safety too. “Changes should not be based only on political or economic factors,” he said.

The debate over Okada legalization is intensifying as the government reviews existing laws. Minister of Transport Joseph Bukari Nikpe announced plans to allow commercial motorcycle use soon.

Despite this, Ahiagbah remains skeptical about Mahama's approach. He believes it does not address youth unemployment effectively and puts lives at risk instead.