The Upper Denkyira East Municipal Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) Commander, DSP Michael Nkekesi, has given commercial motorcycle (Okada) riders in the municipality a two-week grace period to comply with key road traffic regulations or face arrest and prosecution.
He said every commercial motorcycle rider must, within the period, possess a certified crash helmet, a valid rider’s licence, a registered number plate, valid insurance, and a roadworthy certificate.
Speaking on National Agenda with CJ on Wednesday, DSP Nkekesi said the grace period was intended to enable riders and owners to regularise their operations before the commencement of a law enforcement exercise.
He said after the expiration of the two-week period, the Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, would strictly enforce the law, and offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.
DSP Nkekesi said he had met with the leadership of the various Okada associations in the municipality to sensitise them on the directive and the need to comply with all legal requirements.
He cautioned the more than 1,000 commercial motorcycle riders in the municipality against dangerous riding practices, including overtaking from the wrong side of the road, excessive overtaking, and overloading passengers.
He noted that such traffic violations continued to contribute to road crashes and urged riders to adopt responsible riding habits and adhere to road traffic regulations to protect their lives and those of other road users.
