Mr Awuku (with microphone) addresses the okada riders
The NPP has reiterated its plans to boost the transport sector by giving opportunities, particularly, to Ghanaians who are engaged in commercial motorcycle business, known locally as ‘okada’, to exchange their motor bicycles for ‘work and pay’ vehicles.
This, according to the party, offers a better and decent opportunity to the riders than the recent risky business they are engaged in.
Speaking with okada riders in Accra yesterday, at the instance of the riders, the National Organiser of the party, Sammi Awuku, said the NPP, through its National Transport Recapitalization policy, will assist okada riders who are interested in the transport sector to own small cabs and mini busses, which they can pay within a specific period of time and later own them.
“President Akufo-Addo wants to support those who want to do transport business to do it well,” Mr Awuku stated.
The National Transport Recapitalisation policy is a government backed lease-to-own scheme where existing commercial vehicle and okada riders can exchange their old vehicles for new made-in-Ghana cars and pay over time.
According to Mr Awuku, the NPP has proven to have the interest of the Ghanaian youth at heart and must be given the opportunity to work for them.
Untrustworthy Mahama
He asked the okada riders not to believe in the promise by the flagbearer of the NDC to legalise the okada business.
Mr Awuku wondered why Mr Mahama, whose administration criminalised the okada business, will turn around to legalise same.
“The NDC, in 2012, promised to pay assembly members; they never mentioned it when they won power. Now in 2020 they are making same promise again. They also promised a one-time NHIS premium and yet never touched it,” Mr Awuku said.
Critical question
Meanwhile, the okada riders have asked former President Mahama to tell them what informed his criminalisation of their business and what has changed now.
Speaking at the meeting, Majid Amadu, the National Organiser of Okada Riders Association of Ghana, stated that there are many riders who are doing the business as a temporary measure for better alternative, and called on Mr Mahama to stop playing politics with their business.
“I have just one question for Mr Mahama: what did he see wrong with okada that made him ban it? Again, what has he seen right with us now that he wants to legalise it?” Mr Amadu asked.
He further denied any endorsement of the NDC by okada riders.
The okada riders used the opportunity to list some challenges associated with their job. They include extortion of monies from them by some police officers, challenges with insurance companies, challenges in accessing license from the DVLA, among others.
Mr Awuku assured them of the NPP’s commitment to resolving their challenges.
Vigilance
Meanwhile, the NPP National Organiser has stated that the party will be vigilant to protect this year’s general election.
“The NPP doesn’t want to be favoured in this year’s polls, but the NPP will remain vigilant and ensure every ballot will be counted properly,” he stated.
According to Mr Awuku, the NPP will not succumb to any form of intimidation or restriction in campaigning in any part of the country
“No region will be declared a no-go area in this united Ghana. Wherever we need to campaign I can assure you as a party member, we will campaign.
“Each and every voter will hear our message of hope against the hopelessness of Mahama,” he said.
Addressing teachers at the Volta NPP Network of Teachers conference in Ho, Mr Awuku said the NPP will capture more seats from the NDC in the December 7 polls in the region due to the good work it has done so far.
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