The Presidential Candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has re-introduced his 2020 promise to legalise motorcycle business, popularly known as Okada.
According to the former President, it was wise to register and regulate that business, considering the number of youth it employs.
In his view, no government can ban the Okada business, thus the need to regularise their operation and to ensure they follow laid down regulations.
He indicated that his pledge on legitimising Okada business remained unchanged and if voted for as the next president, he would implement a comprehensive system that includes registering, licensing and regulating the riders.
“I want to encourage you that my mind has not changed about the Okada riders. When we (NDC) come we will license and regulate okada because no government can collapse okada business. So, we have to register all of them to see that these people are into Okada business and then teach them how to do their work. I think that is a sensible thing to do. So, when we come, we will regulate and approve Okada to be able to do their business and work,” he said.
Mr. Mahama was addressing a gathering last Tuesday, at the Agormanya Saint Martin’s Parish Hall, as part of his Building Ghana tour in the Eastern Region.
In his address, the NDC presidential candidate touched on several issues, mostly raised by the groups, which gathered to listen to him.
On farmers, Mr. Mahama emphasised the significant impact his upcoming administration will have on local farmers in the Krobo enclave.
He said a farmer’s cooperative would be established to tackle the difficulties faced by farmers when buying agricultural supplies like fertiliser and seeds.
“To support farmers, each district will be equipped with a farmer service centre. These centres will offer a range of essential equipment such as planters, ploughs, tractors, harrows and more, ensuring that farmers receive the necessary support,” he said.
Beyond helping address the current economic crisis, Mahama was optimism that these measures would help revamp the lost agricultural sector of the country.
The GNA reports that the flagbearer of the NDC embarked on a two-day building Ghana campaign tour of the Eastern Region from January 30th to 31st.
His started with a rendezvous at the Peduase Resort in the Akuapem South Constituency, where the former president, who is staging a comeback for Ghana’s highest office, engaged with the Regional Executive Committee and other important stakeholders.
He also visited Anum Palace and paid a courtesy call on the Koforidua Zongo Chiefs, and attended a durbar with transport unions and traders in Agormenya.
In addition, he addressed a town hall meeting in the New Juaben South Constituency and visited the Asokore SDA Training College in the New Juaben North Constituency, during which both professionals and students presented their concerns about the economy.
The NDC flagbearer attended several events on Wednesday, beginning with a breakfast meeting with the Clergy at the Koforidua Eastern Premier Hotel and concluded by paying respect to the Kukurantumi Chief.
Mr. Mahama also connected with local farmers at Ahumanhumasu Pentecost Church and had an engagement with the people at Nsutam Community Centre.
He ended his tour with a rally and roundtable discussion with party executives, demonstrating a strong dedication to grassroots perspectives and party unity.
