The chief and people of Ezinlibo in the Western Nzema Traditional Area have banned the operations of Okada to prevent accidents and possible loss of lives.

The Tofuhene of the town, Nana Boavo Monor, made this known to the Ghana News Agency at Ezinlibo.

The chief said the ban has become necessary following the reckless riding by the Okada operators on the one and a half-kilometre road from Ezinlibo Junction to the town.

He said the activities of the operators pose a serious threat to students of the Ezinlibo Junior High and the Annor Adjaye Senior High schools, as well as other Educational institutions in the area.

In a related development, the Jomoro District Police Command has in a swoop on Friday arrested 16 “Okada” operators for committing various traffic offences.

The District Police Commander, Superintendent John Forguson Dzineku, who led the exercise, said the offences include riding without insurance cover, crash helmets, road worthy certificates and careless riding.

The Police Commander said the riders were arrested at Takinta Junction, Tikobo No one and Allowuley Junction.

Superintendent Dzineku said motorbike fatalities in the District had been on the increase and can no longer be tolerated.

He mentioned two accidents involving motorbikes and vehicles at Nuba and another at Ezinlibo, resulting in the death of one person.

The Police Commander said in the Ezinlibo incident that involved a motorbike and a bicycle, Mr Stephen Naaba, 43, a Security Officer at The Siloam Gospel Clinic at Bonyere Junction lost his life.

The Nuba accident involving a motorbike and a taxi cab resulted in the amputation of the right arm and the fracturing of both legs of the rider.

He said the offenders will soon be arraigned.