Police, okada riders in bloody clash at Ashaiman

Police in Ashaiman had to fire warning shots and tear gas in order to disperse hundreds of commercial motorbike operators (Okada Riders) who besieged the Ashaiman Divisional Police Headquarters on Tuesday, 24 July 2018.

The irate okada riders who caused some damage to police vehicles and pelted the MTTU commander with stones, accused the police of arbitrary arrest, harassment and illegal fines to the sum of GH¢2,500 on some occasions.

According to the okada riders, they were asked to pay GH¢600 each for registration and documentation a few months back, yet, they are still being prevented from operating.

Class91.3FM’s Abraham Aidoo reported that the riders massed up at the Sakasaka Park at Ashaiman dressed in red, and later marched to the police station to stage a protest and demand a refund.

However, Ashaiman Divisional Police Commander, ACP Peter Gyimah, explained to Class FM that the GH¢600 was not for a commercial permit but for registration so they could be easily identified.

He said the registration was a joint exercise between the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).