General News of Wednesday, 1 February 2012

Source: GNA

"Okada business" on the increase- DSP Abdullah Mumuni

Accra, Feb. 1, GNA – Deputy Superintendent of Police Abdullah Mumuni of the Odokor Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) has raised concerns about the increasing number of unregistered motor cycles popularly known as the ‘Okada business’ in the city.

He said motor cycles were not to be commercial vehicles but many young men in the city had turned their bikes into such vehicles risking the lives of passengers.

DSP Mumuni said using motor cycles for commercial purposes could be very fast but also had several problems associated with it.

He said in 2011, there were 856 cases of road accidents reported in Accra out of which 73 was related to such motor accidents.

DSP Mumuni said most "Okada" riders did not use helmets making it unsafe for passengers, and did not adhere to traffic regulations leading to confusion on the roads.

He called on those engaged in the practice to immediately end it else the laws of the country would soon catch up with them.