Ghana: Commercial Use of Motorcycles

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Ghanaian Chronicle (Accra)

OPINION
5 September 2008
Posted to the web 5 September 2008

Linda Akrasi Kotey

One would ask whether we are turning the transportation system in the country, into that of Nigeria and neighbouring Togo, but others would also argue that it is helping those who do not have private cars, avoid the frustration of traffic congestion, to arrive at their work places on time.

In Ghana presently, the most common form of transportation, is public transport (trotro/ mini bus, taxi or the Metro Mass buses), which is very affordable, although not as very convenient as one's own vehicle.

Commercial motor bikes, popularly called 'okada' in Nigeria where the idea originated, are now very common in the Greater Accra Region, especially Korle-Bu, a suburb of Accra, and its environs, as a means of transportation for workers who reside in those areas.

Opposite the main Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital entrance, one would see these motorbikes waiting for passengers. The bikes are always very busy, as there is a mad rush for them.

Some residents and traders, around the business area, told the Accra File that the business had been going on for sometime now, which helps all of them to go about their businesses, easier and faster.

The residents say the practice does not go down well with some of the taxi drivers in the area, because it is cheaper than their fares, as such it is the most preferred choice of transport for people living in the Korle-Bu area.

Madam Obenewaa Frimpong said although the motorcycles have been there for sometime, it was not very popular until the traffic situation in the area recently took a turn for the worse, making it impossible for people to move about quickly and freely.

She added that in the early mornings, people had no other option than to get onto the 'Okada,' because most commercial vehicles, which ply the area, would be full of passengers, coupled with the intense traffic situation.

According to her, looking at the traffic situation, and the unavailability of vehicles, the best option was to go for the motorbikes, which would not get stuck in traffic.

She noted that it was the best form of transportation, especially for those whose relatives had been admitted in the hospital, and needed to urgently buy medicines from the other side of town; they say these motor bikes do help a lot.

One motorbike operator, Adams, who spoke to the Accra File, stated that it was a very profitable venture for them, because it did not waste the time of the passenger, nor the rider. He said he has a protective helmet, which he wears always. As such in case of an unfortunate incident, he is protected, but plans on getting one for his passengers, who are mostly men.

According to him, he does not always come and park at the station, where they look for passengers, because he has some very reliable passengers, who call him in the mornings and evenings, to transport them to and from their places of work.

So, whether he goes to the station or not, he gets something to do at the end of the day.

The use of these motorbikes has been a source of worry to some people, because of recent robberies involving the use of motorbikes. As such, while these commercial operators work, some people are still cautious of them.

They hold their things more firmly for fear of being grabbed by these snatchers on motorbikes, who harass people and take their valuables from them.

But now the situation seems to have changed, as these young men, who use the motorcycles as a means of transport, appear to dress more decently, and are becoming very popular in the areas where they operate.

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