Some Okada riders
Okada riders in Gomoa Buduburam, located in the Gomoa East constituency of the Central Region, have voiced their experiences of police harassment and intimidation.
They link these incidents to the escalating tensions between public transport drivers and Okada riders.
The discord stems from complaints by taxi and Trotro drivers, who allege that Okada riders are infringing on their business territory.
In an interview with Happyghana.com, an Okada rider shared his frustration: "When the police confiscate our motorbikes without checking our licenses, we're compelled to pay an unauthorized fine of GH¢100 each time. If our bikes are seized multiple times, we end up paying GH¢100 repeatedly, which significantly impacts our livelihood and business operations."
The riders assert that taxi and Trotro drivers are subjected to more lenient treatment, facing fines of only GH¢5 or GH¢10. The Okada riders are urgently appealing to the government and the Gomoa East Police Command for intervention, as their livelihoods hinge entirely on this business.
They are seeking definitive answers on whether they should cease or continue their operations and are requesting guidance and support to dispel the uncertainty shrouding their profession.
