Over 600 Okada riders in Akuapem South receive free fuel

More than 600 commercial motorcycle riders in the Akuapem South Municipality have benefited from a one-day free fuel initiative.

The initiative, held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, involved 34 filling stations across 29 towns and communities in the municipality. Each participating rider received fuel intended to cover a day’s work.

The initiative was organised by the OMJ Foundation as part of efforts by its Chief Executive Officer, Osei Mensah Joseph, to support commercial motorcycle riders and address some of the challenges they face in their work. The main event was held at the TotalEnergies Filling Station in Aburi.

Mensah Joseph said the initiative was informed by the role commercial motorcycle riders play in transportation and economic activity in the municipality.

He said the geographical nature of Akuapem South and transportation challenges in some communities had made commercial motorcycle services an important means of daily transportation. He estimated that about 70 per cent of commuters in the municipality rely on commercial motorcycles for their daily movement.

“Without your service, Akuapem South will be at a standstill. I appreciate your efforts in moving the local economy with your service,” he told the riders.

Mensah Joseph also raised concerns about licensing and motorcycle registration among riders. He cited research conducted by his team which indicated that 85 per cent of the riders surveyed did not have riding licences, while 90 per cent had not registered their motorcycles.

“I will make sure that my efforts to make your work convenient, safe and productive will be maximised,” he said.

He also said plans were being made to provide reflective riding gear to improve riders’ visibility, particularly at night and during periods of reduced visibility caused by fog.

The programme brought together representatives of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the National Road Safety Commission, Star Assurance, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service and the Commercial Riders Union of Ghana (CRUG).

The stakeholders engaged the riders on road safety, licensing, motorcycle registration, insurance, health insurance, fire safety, responsible riding and compliance with relevant regulations.

The engagements were led by the Municipal Health Director, Emily A. Amponsah, while the national and regional executives of CRUG were led by Mohammed Tijani.

With support from the organisers, NHIS officials also registered new members and renewed expired memberships at no cost to the beneficiaries.

Mensah Joseph said the initiative was intended to provide an opportunity to better understand the challenges facing commercial motorcycle riders while recognising their role in transporting people and goods and supporting economic activity within the municipality.

The beneficiaries, drawn from communities across Akuapem South, expressed appreciation for the initiative.

The organisers said the programme was held under the theme, “Giving Back, Giving Hope, Inspiring Generations,” as part of activities marking the International Day of Charity, observed annually on September 5.