The Coastal Development Authority (CODA) has started its ‘CODA drive’ campaign in the hopes of encouraging commercial motorcycle riders to trade in their bikes for a Bajaj Qute vehicle on a hire-purchase basis.
This is part of the process of phasing out the commercial motorcycle business, often known as ‘okada.’
Several motor riders were present during the launch, which took place on Friday, October 22, 2021.
CODA said that the initiative aims to improve riders’ livelihoods and generate jobs by improving transportation for people and small businesses in the coastal development zone.
“The target group is largely the Okada riders. We are also looking at commercial drivers and a group of people including CODA credit unit members, market women and men who are engaged in these kinds of transactions. That is how we want to support them. We have forms designed, and it’s a hire-purchase agreement. We got the cars at GH¢25,000, and it covers insurance, tracking system,” the Chief Executive Officer of the Coastal Development Authority, Jerry Ahmed Shaibu said in an earlier interview.
Meanwhile, the Okada Riders Association is pleading with the government to rethink its decision to ban commercial motorcycle riders, often known as ‘Okada.’
Despite the hazards associated with the business and worries about irresponsible riding on the part of certain motorcycle users, the group claims that it provides convenient movement throughout the capital.
In an interview, Issah Abubakari, National Chairman of the Okada Riders Association, advocated for adequate rider training rather than a ban on the business.
“We cannot benefit from this car because of the traffic. Okada is two tyres, but this is four tyres, and it will be in traffic. If government wants to give you something, you cannot say you don’t like it, but those who want it can come for it. We don’t want the situation where we will take this car and government will ban okada. I don’t have the GH¢25,000 to buy this car. It is too much,” he said.
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