Ghana's Road Traffic Regulations Law Must Apply To All Road Users - Including Motorcycle Riders

One doubts not,  dear reader, that there  are many  Ghanaians who might share the opinion of the Regional Minister in charge of the Greater Accra Region, the  Hon.  Nii Afotey Agbo, that the  enforcement of the  new Road Regulations Law - which, amongst other edicts contained in it,    bans  the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes -  should be suspended.


However, the question those of us who support the enforcement of the new law,  ought to pose to them,  is: Why do they not also consider  the plight of the many  victims (dead and  alive) of the Okada motorcycle riders' reckless disregard for  the laws governing the use of roads and highways in Ghana?


Instead of asking for the suspension of  the enforcement of  laws meant to bring some  sanity amongst  road users -  and help end the carnage on those selfsame roads and highways -  why do they not  instead ask for  all motorcycle riders to be required by law to undergo training in accredited driving schools?


Will that not ensure that  at least they learn to ride their sodden Okada motorcycles more responsibly,  and follow all road regulations - such as not riding on pavements meant for pedestrians,  and stopping when  traffic lights turn  red?


Above all, why does the Hon.  Nii Afotey Agbo not do some lateral thinking for a change -   and suggest,  for example, that the Local Enterprise  Skills Development and Employment Programme (LESDEP) initiative adds gas-powered motorised rickshaws to the range of vehicles it provides those it trains for self-employment?


The green type of motorised rickshaw,   now used in the Indian capital of New Delhi to lessen air pollution,   can easily be   assembled here by the company responsible for the LESDEP initiative.


They can then be    sold on hire-purchase terms to  Okada riders who undergo training  with them -   to use for commercial purposes.


If the Ghana Police Service also seeks accreditation for its own motorcycle despatch riders training section, would it not derive some income training motorcycle riders nationwide, I ask?


And would that not mean an outcome that offers  a win-win solution all round - one that  provides revenue for the police; ditto employment for Okada riders;  and also lessens the amount of vehicular emissions now  polluting the air in our towns and cities?


In the meantime, whiles we wait for such innovative solutions for dealing with the menace that Okada riders on our roads represent,   to materialise, the Motor Traffic and Transport  Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service  must vigorously enforce all the regulations and laws   governing the use of roads and highways,  in the Republic of Ghana.


As responsible citizens,  in a nation of laws, none of us - particularly government ministers -   must  encourage others to break the laws of our country: For therein lies the path to chaos and disorder - the very last thing we need in our young democracy.


For the avoidance of doubt, let the Ghana Police Service's PR departments nationwide, use the media to make it absolutely clear, that the new road traffic regulations  law will be  strictly applied to all road users, including Okada motorcycle riders. Period.


Hmm, Ghana - eyeasem o.  Enti ye awieaye paa eniea? Asem kesie ebaba debi ankasa.


Tel: 027 745 3109.


Email: peakofi.thompson@gmail.com