Okada/Pragya Association Sets GHS150 Daily Sales Target and GHS700 Monthly Payment to Reduce Pressure on Riders — Anthony Fiifi

Okada/Pragya Association Sets GHS150 Daily Sales Target and GHS700 Monthly Payment to Reduce Pressure on Riders — Anthony Fiifi

The Chairman of the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipal Okada/Pragya Riders Association, Anthony Fiifi, has revealed that the association has introduced a standardized payment arrangement aimed at reducing pressure on commercial motorbike riders and minimizing road accidents within the municipality.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Anthony Fiifi stated that the association has agreed on a daily sales target of GHS150 between motorcycle owners and riders, while riders are expected to make a monthly payment of GHS700 to owners under the union’s arrangement.

According to him, the decision was taken after several consultations to reduce the excessive pressure some motorcycle owners place on riders in their quest to maximize profits.

He disclosed that some motorcycle owners demand as much as GHS200 daily sales from riders, a situation he said is pushing many riders into dangerous riding habits and contributing significantly to road accidents.

“Some machine owners demand GHS200 daily sales from riders, and this puts too much pressure on them. Because of that, some riders over-speed and engage in reckless riding just to meet the target,” he stated.

Mr. Anthony Fiifi further revealed that some riders resort to the use of substances such as tramadol and other hard drugs, believing it gives them extra energy to work for longer hours and meet high financial demands.

However, he warned that the use of such substances impairs judgment and concentration, thereby increasing the risk of accidents on the roads.

“Some riders take tramadol and other hard drugs thinking it will energize them to work more, not knowing that these substances can lead to accidents,” he cautioned.

The association chairman also expressed concern that many motorcycle owners refuse to join the union because they believe owning their own machines means they do not need to belong to any association.

According to him, this attitude undermines efforts to promote discipline, accountability, and road safety among riders and owners.

He explained that members of the association regularly attend meetings where they receive education and sensitization on road safety from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), the National Road Safety Authority, and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority.

Mr. Fiifi noted that riders who belong to the union are less likely to be involved in accidents because they constantly receive guidance and training on safe riding practices.

He further disclosed that many riders operating within Bibiani are not natives of the municipality. According to him, several riders come from communities such as Sefwi Bekwai, Goaso, Diaso, and Nhinahin to work in Bibiani during the day and return to their hometowns in the evening.

He stated that because some of these riders are not registered members of the association, tracing them becomes difficult whenever passengers leave behind valuables or personal belongings in their motorcycles.

“If passengers leave their items in a machine operated by a non-member, it becomes difficult to trace the rider because they are not registered with the union,” he explained.

Mr. Anthony Fiifi announced that the association has collaborated with the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipal Assembly and the Ghana Police Service to enforce stricter measures aimed at bringing all motorcycle owners and riders under the union to improve safety and accountability.

He assured the public that passengers who lose items in motorcycles belonging to registered union members can report the matter to the association’s office for assistance.

The chairman finally appealed to all Okada and Pragya riders and owners within the municipality to cooperate with the association and obey road safety regulations to help reduce accidents and protect lives.

Source:Bibianinews.com