20 'okada' nabbed

THE TEMA Regional Police Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU) in collaboration with the Police Buffalo Unit have arrested 20 motor riders for using their motorbikes for commercial transport popularly called okada—which is considered illegal in Ghana—at Ashaiman and Tema.

The arrest was as a result of an increased use of motorbikes for criminal activities in the Tema Metropolis where robbers, riding motorbikes, attacked their victims, snatching their valuables in the process. The motorbikes were being impounded at the Tema Regional Police Command for further investigation.

Briefing DAILY GUIDE, Superintendent Oduro Amenning, Tema Regional MTTU Commander said the Legislative Instrument (LI) 2180 Section 128 prohibits the use of motorcycle and tricycle for commercial purposes.

According to him, police would not permit the use of motorbikes and tricycles for commercial purposes except for carrying and delivery services.

He warned motor riders who still engaged in the business to desist from it, as it contravened the laws of Ghana and was liable for a fine of not less than 25 penalty units, in default of which is 30 days imprisonment.

The Regional Police MTTU Commander admonished the public not to patronize the okada services because of the risks involved, adding it is a crime to patronize a motorbike for commercial transport. He cautioned that passengers who were caught patronizing commercial motorbikes would be charged with abetting crime.

He mentioned that motorbikes without blue licence plates were unregistered under the law and that they would continue to arrest people if they did not comply with road regulations.