By: Nana Antwi Boasiako
Okada riders in Gomoa Buduburam in the Gomoa East constituency in the Central Region, have shared their experiences of police harassment and intimidation, which they attribute to the recent tensions between public transport drivers and Okada riders.The tensions arise from complaints by taxi and Trotro drivers that Okada riders are encroaching on their business.In an interview with Happyghana.com, an Okada rider expressed frustration, stating, “When police confiscate our motorbikes without checking our license, we’re forced to pay an unauthorized fine of GHC 100 each time. If our bikes are seized multiple times, we have to pay GHC 100 multiple times, significantly affecting our livelihood and business operations”.The riders claim that taxi and Trotro drivers receive more lenient treatment, with fines of only GHC 5 or GHC 10.The Okada riders are urgently appealing to the government and the Gomoa East Police Command for assistance as their livelihoods depend solely on this business. They are seeking clarity on whether they should discontinue or continue operating, and are requesting guidance and support to resolve the uncertainty surrounding their profession.