THE OKADA LEGALIZATION: THE MATHS, SAFETY AND EXPERIENCE CONVERSATION.

In well over 13 years, on exactly the 10th of September 2011 at 9:36am, I posted a harmless advocacy on my Blog: YOUTH PARADE on the subject: OKADA, A CONVENIENT ILLEGALITY. 

It was shared on my then politically vibrant Facebook page but did not gain much attention until it was projected on a news portal created by Management of Homebase TV. The Piece in 2016 topped the stories and articles on the portal for weeks leading to several discussions on the subject matter for days. 

Naturally, once nothing was done about it, the subject died a natural death but was resurrected during the 2020 General Election when it became NDC's key campaign message: Okada eee, Okada eee....It appeared to have died a second death after the election did not go in favour of the NDC and His Excelency John Dramani Mahama. 

 Fortunately, the 2024 General Election which did not rely mainly on Okada was a success and with its success has come the rebirth of the need the legalization of Okada which has for so long become a Convenient illegality and a source of income for a lot of youth in most communities if not all communities in Ghana. 

 Admittedly, the disregard for traffic rules and regulations by these youngsters cannot be overemphacised. The refusal to use protective gear, the overcharging of fares and the use of bikes for crime are but a few of the problems mostly complained about. The most challenging which I am not glossing over is the spate of gruesome accidents and rate of untimely deaths. There are stories of deliberate amputation of limbs of Okada riders at a named health facility as punishment for careless riding on the roads. There are stories of other road users targeting these riders for disaster because of the riders' disregard for safety regulations. 

 Interestingly, I saw a flyer by a TV station with a list of conditions to meet to qualify as Okada rider in the new 'Okada law" and I was shocked. In my shock, I posted on my whatsapp status: "A 21 year old citizen qualifies to be an MP in Ghana but he has to be 25 years old to ride Okada?" That is an absurdity, obviously that is an absurdity. 

I had a text message from an industry player asking me to slow down and later got a call from another industry player seeking to justify the 25 years with safety and experience. I relied on the mathematics of the law. The position of the lawmaker as we spoke was that, the existing law that outlaws the commercialization of two wheelers and three wheelers does not seperate driving from riding therefore, wherever you find driving in the law, it is in reference to both driving and riding. 

 Again, the position of the law as it is now is that, a person who wishes to drive on the roads in Ghana can apply for and be issued a Driver's License by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and this can only be for private use. You may use this to transport yourself and your family and friends but where you seek to drive otherpersons on contract basis; thus public transportation, you have to be 25 years old. Another absurdity! 

 My point and question to him was; what was the basis for taking such a decision? Interestingly, their focus and understanding of public transportation at the time of making such a law in 2004 was "big buses". Funny! Isn't it? I have still not recovered from my shock. This is a law passed by the Parliament of Ghana in 2004, at a time parliament was an envy of every Ghanaian. The man who called me to slow down is someone I have always respected and continue to respect. 

The law at the time failed to create a limit for mini buses and cabs. Unfortunately, the system is failing to take the opportunity created by the thirst for an Okada law to correct the mistake by seggregating the various classes of experience. The mathematics of the Okada law as it appeared on the flyer I saw vis-a-vis the existing road safety act is that, a person can acquire a rider's license at the age of 18 years but will have to ride on the bike "privately" for 7years to be able to convert it to Okada. Aaaah! Straight away, we are promoting the illegality we sort to remedy. Who needs 7 years experience to do what he has been doing daily?

 My proposal here is that, in the past, you needed about 3years of apprenticeship to learn how to drive and acquire a driver's license after which you needed 2 years to serve your master before he can recommend an upgrade of you license for you to be able to drive. 

 Today, Driving schools, types of cars and technology have combined to simplify everything. Life is so fast paced you cannot do things that will slow the world down. Okada riding is a must with properly thought through regulations that make the law youth friendly, income generation friendly and enforcement easy. It should not be one that creates room for the youth to abuse a porous system with no gain to the District Assemblies and the Nation as a whole.

 Today being Friday, I am not advising anybody. I am wishing you a safe weekend on you Okada. Remember it is still an illegality but very convenient.

 HAPPY EASTER IN ADVANCE! DON'T DRINK AND RIDE; STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS; SAFE RIDE

DR. KWAME AKUFO-ANOFF

I met the just fired or on leave GBC boss in 1994 upon my return from San are in the then Zabzugu-Tatale District in the Northern where i worked as a Teacher of life skills, Agricultural Science and Mathematics until the Konkomba-Nanumba, 'guinea fowl' conflict in February 1994. Upon my return to my new post at Nsawam, my Keteku, Accra-Newtown friend, Emmanuel Aboagye-Wiafe, then a news caster on GTV introduced me to Emmanuel Banafo (koliko) to help me take part in the then most watched TV series, Thursday TV Theatre. On that faithful Monday afternoon, I met koliko at the GBC gate. We went through formalities and entered. I was very happy that day because it was a personal encounter with 'TV stars', I remember Fred Amigo, Wakefield Akuoku, Kwame Sefa Kayi, Pusher, who I was asked to understudy,Diana Gbartey and a host of them. As we interacted, this dark, slim free flowing man came around. He was the Director of the group, Nyankonton Players. Members simply called him Juta. He appeared easy going that first day. Juta later hosted a reggae program on radio Gold if I remember correctly. Signing out, he usually will say; "this has been Kwame Anoff, son of Akufo". I also remember his love for the names Kunta Kinte and Sundiata. He at the time held that driving in Accra was so frustrating due to traffic jams it made more sense using public transport than driving. I wasn't and still I'm not sure of his political leaning but coming from Aburi and bearing a certain name, I can only conjecture that he may be red, white and blue. When the position of GBC Director General was advertised, my preferred candidate was a certain James Asante who I approached personally to contest but he declined because of his open affiliation to the NDC though he was very qualified. I understood his position because it was around the time NPP followers were complaining about the appointment to the NDC of Dr. Carl Margin. Then came the news of one Dr. Annor Akufo Now. I was not familiar with the names so I ignored until I read a"congratulations Juta....". I was happy for him but sad as well. Happy for him because he deserved and still deserves it because he is competent and experienced enough to deliver on any given job. His 'mehodist' attitude; 'if it must be done, it must be done well attitude' is unquestionable. Anyone in doubt can simply go back and watch plays he directed and his performances on the job in previous positions he held. Sad for him because I knew his personality is not made for a politically controlled and sensitive position like the GBC Director General. If you ask me, he is strong willed and a perfectionist who always wants the job executed in accordance with law. I was not surprised when he sought to push for the implementation of the TV licence Act. Our problem as a state is our inability to ensure strict enforcement of existing laws. One may ask why? Simple! Because there is lack of political will for fear of losing election. Appointment of dumb state officials who stay as stooges or empty or hollow minds. These appointees mostly do not have the 'balls' to act independently or outside the box. Some are simply clueless. My fear as an NDC member, when Kwame Anoff was appointed as GBC Director was a possible bias against my party. He was not bias. Fortunately, H. E. John Bahama did not intimidate him nor did any NDC appointee. His axing today has strengthened my love and respect for the NDC. A party that can and is able to work harmoniously with all Ghanaians whether they agree or disagree with the party. My position on the problem is that i am not surprised at all because this current government is mediocre one that do not believe in people who will put politics aside and do things right. The man Anoff may have been fired or has proceeded on leave but he has distinguished himself as a man with good intentions ready to apply existing laws for the good of the country. Dr. Kwame Akufo-Anoff (Annor Akufo Ntow) if that is also right, I wish you very well in the life ahead.

EASTER CELEBRATIONS ALSO OVER NOW

Some few days before the SA3 brouhaha, the airwaves in Ghana became a bit relaxed, devoid of the usual; politics. What became more audibly common was Kwahu oooo kwahu. The usual political tension from NDC and NPP toned down slightly. The SA3 and its fallout brought back the political'noise' The short break taught me some few lessons worth sharing. These lessons are not new but mere confirmation of what you may already know. The first of the lessons is the bias of the Ghanaian, especially the educated. Why? It is true that, politics must be without insults. Politics must equally be responsorial especially where your opponent fondly makes sweeping statements targeted at your person, integrity, gains, or your group's progress. My Alumni Whatsapp platform which has been extremely political with accusations and plain insults on government, appointees and party, suddenly passed a rule, banning political posts on same. Why? Some silent sympathisers of government and NDC have found their voice and are giving them a run for their cash. That is cool. The above even leads me into the second lesson which simply taught me that, Ghanaians abhor insults, lies and hate speeches in politics. Trust me, the more insults you spew, the more enemies you make for your candidate. This lesson applies to floating voters. The very partisan Ghanaian will clap for his communicator for insulting the opponent and complain when the opponent responds. Interesting times we have ahead moving into election 2016 on November 7. It will be suicidal for any person or party to think that, the Ghanaian voter is so 'foolish' that, any lie you put out will be swallowed hook, line and sinker. The Ghanaian voter, educated or not, will verify, especially the floating voter or the swing ones. Some oldlady asked me if the adverts running on TV in recent times are true. I told her yes and showed her a copy of the green book; Accounting to the People. She simply asked, "so why are you people rather quiet for them to make all the noise?" Thinking she was okay with my explanation, I heard her somewhere else asking another person who told her yes but that will not give us food. I have work to do here. Show her the relation between the work done and access to food on her table. Before sharing this information with you, I went out to take a few shots and some dog meat. I stayed longer at the joint because of the nice highlife music I was enjoying. Apparently, it was from a radio station. Immediately the jingle was played, the guys sitting next to me started a conversation that caught my attention. It all had to do with the fact that, by close of day tomorrow, Monday, March 28, the Easter will be over and the airwaves will be filled again with NDC/NPP. They were wondering why we think the noise we make on radio and TV will make them vote in a certain direction. I agree to this point that, we have to explain a few things to them from time to time but the annoying bit is the accusation and counter accusation. Today is the last day of the Easter, let's all use it to adjust ourselves towards a more respectful, issue based peace seeking electioneering campaign towards November 7. Remember, just as Easter, 2016 came, we hyped it, attended it, enjoyed it and it is over, so shall all things pass in exception of the Kingdom of God. Let us do our best to make our world better.

THE FAITH OF A DRUNKARD

It was a Saturday, 20th June, 2015; `the launch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)Agenda 50/50 (kyem p3) for Eastern Region held at Suhum. I was there in my capacity as Dennis Kwame Ofori-Asiedu Modeccai Agbeli (aka; Kwame Dennis) and as a former formal NDC National Communications Team Member, well trained and prepared to communicate and advocate for our party at all levels. Interestingly I was introduced as the incoming NDC Member of Parliament for Biakoye Constituency. Truth is, I am not yet but INSHA ALLAH, I SHALL BE, COME 2016. Going to such functions in public transport is not something I do because of some bitter experiences in the past. I did not have a car that morning; my old BMW 520 has an electrical problem. Sending it to such a function will be as good as walking from Accra to Suhum. Ask Kwesi the tiler his experience travelling in that bad car from Amanya to Accra sometime last month. My more reliable Hyundai Atoz Prime has also been at the shop undergoing major transformation to suit the projects ahead. After three days of refusal, my mechanics decided to fix the Atoz half way for me to send to suhum. That morning, I had to replace two tyres and fix the alignment before setting off. Worse; the battery had to be jumped to get the car's engine started. We set off to Suhum at 9.30am. The journey was smooth until we got to Adoagyiri. The car was overheating so I stopped. Efo, the mechanic saw us and walked to us himself. He managed to fix the problem for us to continue our journey. At Suhum, we went straight to Apollo to eat fufu. Boys couldn't have taken the fufu without 'appetite'. Looking at the bad parking at the station, where the function was going on, I Parked the car very far away from the station for easy movement after the programme. We joined the people at the station. I did two live radio discussions and interactions with some known and unknown comrades. Then it started drizzling, then pouring, then it stopped. Hurriedly, the operation 50/50 was launched. The rain came again to stop the programme completely. The only group that refused to move was the borborbor group. We met at the MCE's residence for refreshment and further discussion of earlier events. It was great being part of the occasion. I am sure you are wondering why I am giving you this long and winding story. Just wait, I need to give you the whole stuff so you can associate. We left Suhum around 7pm, We entered the first fuel station but there was no attendant. Moving to the second, which was just few meters away, there was protest so I drove in another direction, hoping to see a fuel station ahead. We were four in the car. Myself, a Muslim in fasting mode, a drunk broadcaster and a lady. Because it was still raining, we were moving very slow yet steadily. At Kyekyewere, we ran out of fuel. I hurriedly got a gallon from the car and stood in the rain. The Capital TV crew helped me to a filling station very fast. I got the fuel and stood in the rain again to seek help. A truck driver stopped to assist. I got the fuel into the car, sat in the driver's seat to move then we realized the battery had ran down completely. Now, what do we do? My hungry friend and drunk friend started pushing the car but there was no good result. My hungry friend took over the steer for me to join the drunk man but nothing came out. After all attempts to get help failed, we gave up. This drunk man said, let's push again it will start, We agreed and they started, after about 500m, my hungry friend gave up and sat in the car. My drunk friend kept pushing alone. I tried and tried and tried but it was not starting. He instructed me to relax; I obeyed, he called me to try again; I did. For about three times and it started. He ran ahead of the car for another 150m before joining the car. This time, it was almost 9pm. We were all touched by his faith knowing his state at that point. This is not to promote the drinking of alcohol. This man here did not allow his drunk state to sway his desire to get home. We have learnt not to stop because of small challenges. We have learnt to push till we succeed even when our batteries run down and we are drunk.

PUTTING OUR SCRAPS TO GOOD USE

After staying off this platform for so long, I am here again to make a harmless suggestion, hoping it will not give me any problems as the last one on "Okada" did. Permit me to comment on the strike by some driver organization(s) on Monday, June 1, 2015 leading to the arrest of about 33 of them, who, according to the police violated some laws of Ghana. As a political communicator and a law student, friends called to ask me why the police arrested the drivers. In the view of my friends which I know is the view of all Ghanaians including myself, the drivers had a right to demonstrate. What we fail to realize most of the time is that, rights go with responsibilities. Their right to demonstrate required them to have notified the police, five (5) clear days at least, before the event; in which case the police would have a duty to ensure their security. So as stated by McRuer, ....right is precisely defined, given and protected by law. But in all these, the drivers have some point just the same way the policy makers have same. We cannot continue experiencing motor accidents on our roads everyday. We cannot submit to the naivety and rudeness of some uneducated drivers on our roads everyday. It has to end at a point. Question is, must it be radical? NO,,,,No need for a radical approach. There must be a converging point for policy makers and the drivers towards the safety of all of us; road users. On this note, I wish to draw the attention of all stakeholders, especially the Ministry of Transport, DVLA and the Road Safety Division to the existence of the only state institution established for the purposes of adult literacy: Non-Formal Education Division of the Ministry of Education. Due to lack of logistics and materials, this division of highly trained, though poorly motivated staff are almost redundant. The maintenance of old and unreliable classes, is for the sake of keeping one's job. The personnel are waiting for work to do. In the current dispensation where the driver is required to acquire some reading, writing and arithmetic/computer skills as an adult, it falls within the ambiance of their operations as providers of adult literacy. Non-Formal Education (NFE) has been doing this training of adults without interfering with the trade of learners for years. There are records to show and individuals all over the country to testify. I will therefore suggest through my small post box to my Hon. Minister of Transport, Hon. Minister of Education, DVLA, NRSD and the Driver Unions to collaborate with Non-Formal Education to put together a 21 month well structured, full cycle Driver Education Module that will benefit the drivers and their mates greatly at little or no cost to them. Non-Formal has the personnel to train our drivers and their mates in any Ghanaian language and top it up with English language if the learner so desires. Currently, some cocoa companies have employed this almost free service of NFE to educate their farmers in the appropriate use of modern trends in cocoa production. I am reliably informed that the companies have not regretted engaging them. Humbly, I entreat stakeholders in this DVLA/Drivers impasse to engage the NFE to bring this to an eternal closure.

I DO NOT HAVE CLEARANCE

And when finally we met at the gargantuan Adabraka office to deliberate on ways of communicating to the electorate and Ghanaians, it turned out that victors and some of their supporters wanted to use the occasion to tease losers and their supporters. A move I consider still as unnecessary and uncalled for, in view of the circumstances under which some won and others lost. As was expected by many, I protested but the powers that be had their way and got a few to tell the untrue side of the stories. I was expected to be the first speaker on this wrong item at this great gathering. Calmly, I heard myself saying, 'I do not have clearance to speak on any issue' People agreed to this freshly acquired mature stand acquired from the versatile politician and leader; Cat killer, Terminator and Wayoo Wayo. At any point in politics, one is bound to carry himself as a hero until there is opportunity to interact with a more senior, experienced and performing politician like Dr. Kwabena Adjei. Though he lost the election, I personally and believe same with my other team members have no regrets at all being part of his campaign. It was a schooling experience in politics. Internal party issues are suppose to be kept internal and nothing more or less. This very good lesson bars me from stating the nitty gritty of the KUmasi Congress. All that can be said is that, the defeat was bad base on the crooked turf on which the competition was organized. The man Wayo, from where I sit is too strong and fit for his age. He has shown that on any day, he can compete and sail through, all things being equal. I do not intend to write much but I cannot end without commending his respect for basic principles of life and adoration of truth at all times even at the peril of his life and position. As he puts it, "I am putting my truth barometer before you for anybody to challenge it" Unfortunately, I guess this congress was not about truth and principles that established our party but about bread and butter. Provision of fish and not lessons on fishery. Lest I forget this one too, "I do not need to be a Chairman to complete the rest of my life at 72 Years but I want to be Chairman to end what I have started in the NDC" My humble understanding is that, he will survive in strength and good health after Kumasi 2014. Once I have clearance, or I get some bread and butter, I will link up with you and let you in on the murkier side of the events before, during and after congress.

KILLING THE KILLER OR SUICIDE 1

I greet you once again my people of Biakoye constituency/District, especially the NDC family. This is another opportunity to set agenda for rumour mongers and mis-interpreters who ply their trade out of malice or clear ineptitude. Just remembered Mr. Francis Ontoyin. I do NOT want to be seen as one of those rumour mongers though. My only intent is to attempt to analyse the preparation, organization, conduct and outcome of the 23/08/2014 NDC conference held at Worawora. I must admit that some of the results were shocking while others were very obvious. I was personally heart broken by the results from two positions. Though the defeat of Simon Twumasi was much expected because of the myriad of allegations, accusations and insults to which he resolved not to respond to, it was not out of place for the delegates to associate him with the errs smeared on him. I expected the delegates to have voted for him to vindicate him because i know he is a good man. The performance of Alhaji was not surprising though painful. Agbeko Emmanuel was not my favourite but I must admit he put in a lot of efforts some of which may spell doom for the party and constituency towards 2016. I wish my NEW Chairman well in his administration. After stepping down as a branch chairman about a year ago out of fear of defeat, I least expected my own Brother Cephas to contest as a Constituency Vice Chairman, but politicians as we are, do not fear defeat. Ameglah was meant to become the Vice Chairman considering the massive support from the youth. Special thanks to Boosey his campaign coordinator at Kwamekrom. Iknow you are waiting for the Secretaryship but hold it. I will tell you about that in another piece likely to be Part 2. Moro himself knew he was not on the ground. He has always been a good friend but not a supporter. The most painful defeat by all standards is that of Nartey. He is a hard worker who put his all into his campaign but as usual some killer killed the innocent hard worker for Akpalu. I pray Akpalu comes with a clean hand and mind to do decent politics for the good of Biakoye. I wish him well. Let me end this first part by touching on the victory of Aniewu over Nicho and Gyan. Gyan has been in for long and should have understood that the YES programme pegged the age of youth at 35 years. Seke just as Kwame is hard working but Kwame beat him with just a vote. May he succeed. At vetting, Aniewu and Nartey were nearly disqualified kind courtesy the mind opf god. The deceptive campaign with Nartey, the blurred fotos and the vile messages all contributed to his loss. In the face of all the accusations, that single vote gave Kwame victory. I know you are asking about 'the mind of god' May be in Part 3, I will explain. I can understand the losers because I have lost before. BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME. Eye zu, Eye za.