Legalising Okada will Boost Youth Employment, Improve Transport

The Member of Parliament for Ho Central, Hon. Richmond Kofi Edem Kpotosu, has welcomed the government’s move to legalise and regulate the use of tricycles (popularly known as okada), describing it as a major step toward boosting youth employment and improving transportation, especially in hard-to-reach communities.

Speaking in an interview with EXPRESSNEWSGHANA, the MP commended President John Dramani Mahama for fulfilling a campaign promise, noting that the new bill would streamline the use of tricycles and motorbikes across the country.

Hon. Kpotosu explained that in many parts of Ghana, particularly rural and peri-urban areas, conventional vehicles cannot operate due to poor road networks, leaving tricycles and motorbikes as the only reliable means of transport.

He cited countries like India, where tricycles are well-regulated and form a critical part of the transport system.

He expressed particular satisfaction with provisions in the bill that seek to regulate riders, introduce insurance coverage, and enforce safety measures such as seat belts and helmets for both riders and passengers.

“Once they are regularised, insurance companies can come in to cover both riders and passengers. So in the event of an accident, victims are not left stranded,” he said.

The Ho Central MP stressed that passing the bill alone is not enough, calling for sustained public education, advocacy, and training for riders. He urged the Ministry of Transport and related agencies to organise structured training programmes, noting that riding a tricycle requires different skills from driving a car.

On stakeholder collaboration, Hon. Kpotosu said he intends to work closely with tricycle riders in his constituency, including engaging their association, NUTOG, and partnering with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to provide education and training.

He also noted that the new law empowers local assemblies to collect tolls from commercial tricycle operators legitimately, which would serve as an additional source of revenue for development.

Addressing concerns about the frequency of accidents involving tricycles, the MP appealed to riders to exercise patience and avoid reckless driving.

“Most accidents occur when riders speed around corners or try to overtake unnecessarily. Tricycles are not as stable as cars, and their engine capacity is different. Patience is key,” he advised.

Reflecting on his first year in Parliament since his election on December 7, 2024, Hon. Kpotosu admitted that his perception of parliamentary work had changed significantly.

“From outside, people think MPs are always laughing and enjoying. But when you get inside, you realise the work is heavy and emotionally draining. The smiles often hide the pressure,” he said.

He called on constituents to support their MPs, stressing that development is a collective effort and not the responsibility of the MP alone.

Touching on development promises, the MP reiterated his commitment to attracting factories and investments to Ho, an agrarian municipality with limited industrial activity.

He said ongoing road projects would improve connectivity to Accra, Koforidua, Togo, and Benin, making Ho more attractive to investors.

He also provided updates on the Ho Airport, describing ongoing efforts to upgrade it into an international facility, including plans for aircraft maintenance services.

According to him, the airport’s development would open up opportunities for cargo transport, factories, and job creation.

On utilities and social services, Hon. Kpotosu called for improved and consistent supply of electricity and water, while noting ongoing efforts such as borehole drilling. He added that although Ho has regional and municipal hospitals, upgrading some CHPS compounds into clinics would significantly improve healthcare delivery.

He reaffirmed his commitment to working with constituents and stakeholders to drive development in Ho Central and beyond.