The Deputy Minister of Transport Mr Titus Glover has advocated a ban on commercial motorcycle riding also known as okada from operating at 9pm to 6am the next day.
To him, the ban would stem the high crime rate in the country.
According to him, although motorcycle has become important means of transport and serves as livelihood to the operators: “there are several reports of criminals in some municipalities, including Ashaiman using motorcycle to undertake unlawful activities especially at night.”
Such a ban, he said, would support efforts by the police to check crime activities in the various communities and make it easier for persons engaged in crime to be arrested.
The minister’s suggestion although plausible, is at the same time problematic.
It is a known fact that crime involving motorcycle has been on the increase and it is also true that many of those criminals escape arrest on their motorbikes.
But the last time we checked commercial motorcycle riding has been banned totally.
Indeed, in 2012, the use of motorbikes for transport in the country was outlawed under Regulation 128(1-4) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 which states that: “the licensing authority shall not register a motorcycle to carry a fare-paying passenger.”
The law also prohibits any person from using a motorcycle or tricycle for commercial purposes, except for courier and delivery services, whilst it also prohibits pillions from riding on motor or tricycle as paying passengers.
Offenders are liable to fines or imprisonment.
From the above, it is clear that it is an offence to use motorcycle purposely for commercial activities in the country.
However, notwithstanding the existence of the legislation banning motorcycle for commercial purposes, those who are expected to enforce the law are looking the other way.
This is why many erroneously think that the commercial motorcycles or okada operation is legal and, therefore, must be banned.
Going by the existing legislation, okada is already banned and we cannot ban an illegal activity.
The concern expressed by the Deputy Minister is genuine and the only way it can be carried through is to enforce the existing law to contain the okada menace.
The crime rate associated with okada is quite high and we agree with those who think that something should be done about it.
We support measures that would contain the menace and curtail the activities of okada in the country.
