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John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has reaffirmed his commitment to legalizing the operations of commercial motorbike riders, commonly known as “Okada,” if he wins the 2024 general elections.
Addressing motorbike riders in Ashaiman on Friday, May 31, 2024, Mahama emphasized that the NDC has included the legalization of Okada activities in their 2024 manifesto. He criticized the current government for failing to deliver on its promise to replace motorbikes with cars.
Mahama stated, “We have in our manifesto that we will legalize ‘Okada,’ but we lost the elections, and so that promise was not fulfilled. Our opponents objected to it, claiming Okada activities, if operationalized, will cause accidents.”
He continued, “They instead promised to take your motorbikes and replace them with cars. Is that not what you were promised? Have you received the cars? It turned out to be a lie; we all know that this government is only good at telling lies.”
Mahama assured the motorbike riders that the NDC is committed to legalizing the Okada business if they win the 2024 general elections. He emphasized, “Know that the door of your freedom will be opened on January 7, 2025, when they swear me in as President.”
Expressing concern over the country’s unemployment rate since he left office in 2016, Mahama highlighted the importance of legalizing Okada to create employment opportunities. He pointed out, “The unemployment rate was 8.5% when I left office in 2016; now it’s 14.7% under Akufo-Addo-Bawumia’s government.”
Mahama assured the motorbike riders that Okada legalization can be successful, citing examples from East Africa where it has been legalized and regulated effectively. He pledged, “When we assume power, we will legalize it. We have riding instructors, so the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) will go to the regions to train you on how to ride safely.”
Mahama urged motorbike riders to comply with the rules that will be implemented under the next NDC government and promised assistance to those who do not have a license to obtain one.
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