The Commercial National Motor Riders Union (CNMRU) has rejected claims that the NDC government has failed commercial motorbike riders after allegedly using them during the 2024 general election campaign.

In a press statement, the National Public Relations Officer of the Union, Setsoafia Quarshie Pascal, said the allegations are false and do not reflect developments regarding the government’s efforts to legalise and regulate commercial motorcycle operations in Ghana.

He said following the 2024 general elections, the government established a technical committee to conduct research and stakeholder consultations towards the legalisation and regulation of Okada operations.

The CNMRU, he noted, has been part of the process, representing the interests of commercial motor riders across the country.

Mr Quarshie Pascal disclosed that as part of the process, a delegation comprising key stakeholders travelled to Rwanda to study the country’s commercial motorcycle operations and regulatory framework.

The delegation included the Chairman of the CNMRU, Mohammed Tijani; representatives of the National Road Safety Authority, including Abraham Amaleba; the leadership of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), including its representative, Hon. Julius Neequaye Ko Tey; and the Minister responsible for Transport, Hon. Abubakari Nikpe.

He said the visit formed part of efforts to develop an effective and sustainable framework for regulating commercial motorcycle operations in Ghana.

Mr Quarshie Pascal further disclosed that the relevant bill has now been laid before Parliament and is undergoing the parliamentary process, pending the necessary steps towards presidential assent.

He cited the establishment of the technical committee, stakeholder consultations, the study of international regulatory systems, ongoing sensitisation, mobile DVLA services and licensing support as evidence of the government’s commitment to the sector.

He also said work was ongoing to modernise the commercial motorcycle sector, including the introduction of electric motorcycles.

The CNMRU has therefore urged the public and commercial motor riders not to be misled by what it describes as misinformation and claims intended to undermine the ongoing process.

The Union says it remains committed to working with the government, Parliament, the DVLA, the National Road Safety Authority and other stakeholders to ensure that the eventual legalisation and regulation of Okada operations promotes safety and protects riders, passengers and other road users.