Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia says government has no intention of legalizing the okada business but rather give support to operators in the sector to find a better means of transportation to better their lives.
He said through Government’s Transport Recapitalization Project it seeks to rather support okada riders to acquire vehicles which is a safer means of transportation.
Speaking at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Volkswagen and BlackIvy in Accra, Vice President Bawumia said the collaboration between the two companies will drive the production of affordable and green vehicles that will protect lives and the environment.
Legalizing the Okada business has become topical as the country gears up for the 2020 general election.
The Okada business which has become rampant over the last few years has also led to loss of lives due to the numerous accidents caused by these drivers.
Vice President Bawumia said government has to take the difficult decision not to legalize the Okada business as it has caused irreparable damage to lives and property.
He said government will rather give support to these operators to acquire vehicles on hire purchase especially in the wake of the assembling of vehicles such as VW in the country.
On the partnership between Volkswagen and BlackIvy, Vice President Bawumia said the collaboration will see the assembling of affordable and green vehicles.
He added that this is in line with the vision of a Ghana Beyond Aid where policies will be rolled out to attract the needed investment to add value to natural resources.
The Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen Ghana, Jeffrey Oppong Peprah said the presence of Volkswagen in Ghana has been impressive as Ghanaians have shown interest in the brand.
He said VW aims to become the leading provider of sustainable automobile industry in Sub-Saharan Africa.
