A drivers association known as the Ghana Committed Drivers Association GCDA has issued a press statement wading in on the promise by ex-president John Mahama to legalize Okada and tricycle transport in Ghana if elected as president again.
The statement signed by the chairman of the Association, Mr. Charles Danso, kicked against the campaign promise and called for the prosecution of the NDC flagbearer for introducing “Mahama can do” (Mahama Camboo) tricycles for public transport in 2015/2016 against the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180).
“In 2015/16, it can be recounted that Fmr President Mahama expressly captured in the infamous ‘Green Book of Achievements’ that was written by the National Democratic Congress led by President John Dramani Mahama to prosecute the 2016 general elections; that they were going to use the tricycles dubbed as ‘Mahama Can Do’ to alleviate poverty in the then three Northern regions. A court action was instituted by Road Safety Advocates Ghana -RoSAG, still pending albeit sine die in court, to stop the policy initiative. The breach of the regulation 128, right on the heels of its passage in 2012, when Mr. Mahama was President tells you he is not law abiding but just vying to become president again for his own parochial selfish interest and personal aggrandizement.” the statement read
READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW
GHANA COMMITTED DRIVERS ASSOCIATION (GCDA) – Together as One
PRESS RELEASE
To: All media Houses
Date: August 27, 2020
LEGALIZATION OF ILLEGAL OKADA OPERATIONS. – FMR PREZ JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA MUST BE PROSECUTED FOR BREAKING THE ROAD LAW – FOR INTRODUCING AND LAUNCHING MAHAMA CAN DO (CAMBOO).
Fmr President John DRAMANI Mahama has opined that he would legalize the use of motorcycles and tricycles for fare paying passenger service popularly known as ‘Okada’ & Mahama Camboo should he be voted back into office as President.
The Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180) Sub-regulations 128 & 84 states expressly;
PROHIBITION OFMOTORCYCLE OR TRICYCLE FOR COMMERCIALPURPOSES
Sub-Regulation 128
128.1 The Licensing Authority SHALL not register a motorcycle or tricycle to carry a fare paying passenger.
128.2 A person shall not use or permit a motor cycle or tricycle over which that person exercises control to be used for commercial purposes except for courier and delivery services.
128.3 Aperson shall not ride on a motor cycle or tricycle as a fare paying passenger.
128.4 Aperson who contravenes sub-regulation (1), (2), or (3) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than twenty-five penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not more than thirty days or to both.
Sub-regulation 84
COMPULSORYWEARING OFPROTECTIVE CLOTHING IN RESPECTOFMOTOR CYCLES
84.1 Aperson SHALLnot ride or be a pillion rider on a motorcycle, motor tricycle or a quadruple- cycle, or in a side car attached to a motorcycle, unless that person wears reflective clothing and a protective helmet that 84(a) is specially designed for use in connection with the cycle, and 84(b) fits properly with the chin strap properly fastened under the chin.
84.2 A person riding a motorcycle, motor tricycle or motor quadruple-cycle SHALL ensure that a pillion rider in or on the cycle who is younger than eighteen years old, complies with sub egulation (1).
84.3 Aperson who contravenes sub-regulation (1), (2), or (3) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than fifty penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not more than three months or to both.
The aforementioned Road Traffic Regulations was passed in 2012 during the tenure of Fmr President John Dramani Mahama as Vice President/President. That made the usage of motorcycles and tricycles for Okada and Mahama Can Do taxi operations illegal.
In 2015/16, it can be recounted that Fmr President Mahama expressly captured in the infamous ‘Green Book of Achievements’ that was written by the National Democratic Congress led by President John Dramani Mahama to prosecute the 2016 general elections; that they were going to use the tricycles dubbed as ‘Mahama Can Do’ to alleviate poverty in the then three Northern regions. A court action was instituted by Road Safety Advocates Ghana -RoSAG, still pending albeit sine die in court, to stop the policy initiative.
The breach of the regulation 128, right on the heels of its passage in 2012, when Mr. Mahama was President tells you he is not law abiding but just vying to become president again for his own parochial selfish interest and personal aggrandizement.
The preposterous argument made by Fmr President Mahama that okada has come to stay so it should be legalized must be treated with the contempt it deserves. Who made it come to stay? President Mahama cannot seek our votes to come back to power and tell us SAKAWA(internet fraud) is so pervasive and therefore must be legalized. Absolute drivel!
All told, President Mahama has declared his intention to legalize the Okada menace and regulate it. What is the current ruling government saying on this subject matter? It may be recalled not long ago, taxpayers money was used by Ministry of Transport on a nationwide stakeholders engagement tour, to solicit views on whether or not, the Okada operations should be legalized. As we write, there is a report on the nationwide stakeholders engagements, sitting in Cabinet to be deliberated upon. We have heard the Fmr President Mahama! What is His Excellency President Nana Akuffo-Addo take on this menace that is taking away lives needlessly?
We keenly await his response with baited breathe! God bless our Homeland Ghana!
Signed : Charles Danso – (Chairman)
Committed Drivers Association
0244 233 929 / 0204 233 929
