The ‘Okada’ (commercial motorbike operators) business which crossed over from the Nigerian border to Ghana has helped a lot of Ghanaians navigate their way through the heavy traffic jams in the capital, Accra with ease.
This means of transportation which has become a favourite to many Ghanaians has also been criticised by a few who see it as a menace. It is also regarded by the police and doctors as a major cause of road accidents because of the supposed carelessness of these ‘Okada’ riders.
The National Insurance Commission (NIC) of Ghana with concern has warned Ghanaians not to patronize these commercial ‘Okada’ riders as they are not covered by any form of insurance.
The Commissioner of the NIC, Justice Yaw Ofori issued this warning to the public in an interview with Happy 98.9 FM’s Samuel Eshun on the Happy Morning Show.
“We want Ghanaians to understand that motorbikes are covered by insurance and are expected to be used for private purposes only. But when a paying passenger rides on a motorbike, he or she is not covered by any insurance. “
“If the motorbike knocks down a passerby, the insurance company covers the victim but not a commercial passenger,” he reiterated.
He advised owners of motorbikes to buy an insurance package. “Insurance is a good cover for every individual and should be trusted.”
On the heels of a recently issued statement by the Commission to regulate insurance entities not to insure motorcycles and tricycles used to carry fare-paying passengers, Mr Ofori stated that the Laws of the country do not permit the carriage of fare-paying passengers by these cycles.
“We have to abide by the Law as clearly stipulated in Regulation 128 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (Legislative Instrument 2180),” he cautioned.
By: Joel Sanco