Motorbike dealers to petition Akufo-Addo over unwarranted arrest of riders

Dealers of motorbikes in Ghana are to petition President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over what they consider to be unwarranted arrest of motorbikes by the Ghana Police, which they say, is affecting their businesses.

They said the recent arrest and confiscation of motorbikes, especially in Accra, by the Police and subsequent fines of GHC200 have been a concern to them because “it is causing much pain in the riders”.

Of more concern to them is the claim that riders with the necessary documentations are also arrested and fined by the Police, which they do not understand.

Secretary to the Motor Dealers Association, Osei Bempah Hayford, told 3News “Even if u have papers, still they will take something…They almost emptied Ashaiman and Tema and parts of Accra last Tuesday”.

“I’m not against their actions neither do I support them. The right thing must be done,” he added.

He indicated that the situation has become so serious to the extent that government has to come out with “clearly stated laws and regulations for motorcycle dealers and riders in Ghana”.

He said the dealers have started a series of meetings on the issue and are likely to present their petition to the President through the Ministry of Transport for the necessary action to be taken on the matter.

“Unregistered bikes can be arrested alright or those who have no license or those who passes the traffic light when it’s red… But in this case, they are arresting all motorbikes that drive their way even with or without helmet, even if registered or not… whether obeying traffic rules or not… these men in black will arrest the bike,” he claimed.

Mr Hayford observed that riding a motorbike in some parts of Accra “looks like shear butter escaping the sun. Riders are crying day and night paying huge amounts to Ghana police service” and that those who are not willing to “settle in the dark” are put before court.

For him, once importation of motorbikes is allowed, it demonstrates that its use is legal once a rider satisfies all the necessary documentation, hence wondered why the continuous arrest of bikers.

He argued that motorbikes form an integral part of Ghana’s development in that, motorcycling is also a major means of transportation, especially in the northern and southern part of the country.

“We also cannot forget that even the police escort of the President makes use of motorcycles,” Mr Hayford observed.