- Including Motorcycle Riders.

By Kofi Thompson

One wonders, dear reader, why those who 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 bans the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes - should be suspended, do not also think about the many victims (dead or alive) of their reckless disregard for the laws governing the use of roads and highways in Ghana?

Instead of suspending 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 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 high-purchase terms to Okada riders who undergo training with them - to use for commercial purposes.

Would that not be a win-win solution all round - one that provides employment for Okada riders and also lessens the amount of vehicular emissions polluting the air in our towns and cities, I ask?

In the meantime, whiles we wait for such innovative solutions for Okada riders to materialise, the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service, must 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: asem kesie ebaba debi ankasa.

Tel: 027 745 3109.

Email: peakofi.thompson@gmail.com