Sefwi Wiawso MCE Urges Okada Riders to Observe Road Traffic Regulations

Sefwi Wiawso MCE Urges Okada Riders to Observe Road Traffic Regulations

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Sefwi Wiawso, Hon. Dominic Gyasi, has appealed to commercial motorbike operators, popularly known as Okada riders, to strictly observe road traffic regulations to help reduce accidents and improve road safety in the municipality.

The appeal was made during an engagement with the leadership of Okada riders in Sefwi Wiawso, where the MCE expressed concern about road accidents, reckless riding and the disregard for safety measures by some commercial motorbike operators.

Hon. Gyasi acknowledged the important role Okada services play in providing employment opportunities for young people and offering convenient transportation, particularly in communities where access to other means of transport may be limited.

However, he stressed that the economic benefits of the business should not come at the expense of the safety of riders, passengers and other road users.

He therefore urged operators to wear approved crash helmets, obtain valid riding licences, avoid excessive speeding, refrain from overloading their motorbikes and obey all road traffic signs and signals.

The MCE also cautioned riders against operating motorbikes under the influence of alcohol or drugs, warning that such behaviour could endanger lives and lead to avoidable accidents.

Assembly to Strengthen Road Safety Education

Hon. Gyasi assured the riders that the Municipal Assembly would continue to collaborate with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to organise regular training and road safety sensitisation programmes.

According to him, such initiatives would help educate riders on road traffic regulations, responsible riding practices and the need to protect the lives of passengers and other road users.

He also called on the leadership of the Okada Riders Association to strengthen internal discipline and take responsibility for ensuring that members comply with the rules governing their operations.

The MCE further urged the association to help identify and address the conduct of riders who repeatedly disregard traffic regulations and engage in activities that could damage the reputation of the association.

He emphasised that maintaining discipline within the sector would help promote public confidence in commercial motorbike services while contributing to safer roads across the municipality.

Hon. Gyasi's engagement forms part of efforts to encourage responsible riding, reduce road accidents and promote cooperation between commercial motorbike operators and relevant authorities.

He called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure that road safety becomes a shared responsibility among riders, passengers, motorists and pedestrians.

Source:Bibianinews.com/Sir Nat