The National Organizer of the Okada Riders Union, Abass Mustapha Chambas, has commended President Mahama for taking concrete steps toward transforming the Okada sector, revealing that the first batch of electric motorbikes promised to riders has arrived in the country.
Speaking on Aluta FM’s Anopa Koko with Agyaba Kwaku, Mr. Ibn Chambas said the President has fulfilled his commitment to legalize Okada operations and support riders with electric motors to reduce fuel costs and promote cleaner transportation.
According to him, to ensure a successful and modernized Okada system in Ghana, the President dispatched the Transport Minister, DVLA Boss, and the Union’s Chairman to Rwanda to study how the East African nation has efficiently regulated and improved motorcycle transport.
He said Ghana has already begun implementing key lessons from that trip.
Nationwide Registration Underway
Mr. Chambas disclosed that the Union has commenced a nationwide registration of Okada riders, issuing identification cards embedded with scannable data.
“When you scan the card, all the information of the rider appears. So far, we have registered over 7,000 riders in Accra, over 1,000 in the Volta Region, and more than 2,000 in both Western and Eastern Regions,” he stated.
DVLA Collaboration for Licensing and Number Plates
He announced that the Union has partnered with the DVLA to ensure that every registered rider receives a license and a unique number plate.
He emphasized that the specialized number plates cannot be transferred or sold, even if a rider sells their motorcycle.
Reflectors With Tracking Codes to Boost Safety
To strengthen safety and accountability, the Union is introducing reflectors with traceable digital codes.
“If an accident happens or someone reports reckless riding, all you need to do is scan the code. The information comes straight to our office, and we rush to the scene to assess what happened,” Mr. Chambas explained.
Okada Training School to Be Established
He further revealed plans to establish a dedicated Okada Training School to teach riders the dos and don’ts of the profession, ensuring both rider and customer safety.
Mr. Chambas noted that the Union is awaiting Parliament’s approval of the Okada Riders Bill, stressing that once passed, riders who fail to register or undergo the mandatory training will face legal consequences.
He said the goal is to “fish out the bad nuts among the good ones” and create a safe, well-regulated Okada industry that benefits riders and the public alike.
