Regional News of 2012-07-13

G/A minister calls for suspension of 'Okada' ban

Greater Accra regional Minister, Nii Afotey Agbo is calling for a suspension of the ban on the use of motor bicycles for commercial purposes also known as “Okada”.
The road traffic regulation law was passed early this week after years of consultation by stakeholders and the palpable risk okada riding imposes not only on the rider but the passenger.
This infuriated several motor cycle riders involved in the trade, who thronged the NDC headquarters in Accra to register their displeasure at the ban to party leadership.
But even before the law will be implemented the Greater Accra Minister is making a strong case for it to be shelved.
Nii Afotey Agbo told Joy News there are many laws sitting in the statute books which are not being implemented and suggested that the law banning Okada riding should be added to them.
If anything, he said the law must be enforced in the future after enough jobs have been created for the youth.
“There are so many laws that have been passed in Parliament but they have not been enforced. If there is a way out that this law, which has been approved by Parliament; it can be put aside ready to be enforced in the future after we have put some mechanism in place; after we have created enough jobs for the youth of this country then we can enforce it,” he argued.
He feared cases of armed robbery could rise if the law is implemented now.
“If we are not careful [armed robbery incidents will rise]” he said, adding, I have been on the ground, I have been in this region for a long time and I have seen people being slashed and their bags taken away from them,” he added.