Spokesperson for Okada Riders Association Solomon Akpanaba has revealed that President John Dramani Mahama has called him to warn him about tampering with the age limit for Okada riding business in Ghana.
Speaking with Nana OB on Asempa FM, Solomon Akpanaba revealed that President John Dramani Mahama personally reached out to him to explain the basis of the age limit, which is enshrined in Ghana’s constitutional and transport laws. According to the President, it would be difficult to amend the law to lower the age requirement, stating that the 25 years has been there already.
“President Mahama personally called me yesterday to explain the existing constitutional law which states that persons under the age of 25 are not permitted to operate commercial motorcycle transport” he said.
However, the national leadership of Okada riders has expressed strong disapproval of the existing constitutional law that restricts commercial motorcycle transport operations to persons aged 25 and above. According to them, adulthood in Ghana or legal age for driving all kinds of vehicles are set to 18 so the government should consider reducing the age limit to at least 21 years.
The Okada riders remain firm in their stance, “we do not support this law” Mr. Solomon said, adding that he proposed a reduction of the age limit to 18 during the conversation, but the president insisted that 25 should remain the threshold.
The age limit has long been a point of contention among Okada riders, many of whom argue that it excludes a significant portion of unemployed youth who could benefit economically from operating motorcycles for transport.
The interaction between President John Dramani Mahama and the Okada riders underscores ongoing national debates about youth employment, road safety, and the regulation of the Okada business.
Watch the full statement from Akpanaba Solomon here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/199YHGGCZ2