More than 50 commercial motorcycle riders in the Adansi Akrofuom Constituency of the Ashanti Region have received support from their Member of Parliament, Joseph Azumah, to acquire riders’ licences.
The initiative is aimed at helping the beneficiaries operate legally and avoid difficulties with law enforcement officers over the lack of proper documentation.
Speaking to news correspondent Isaac K. Normanyo, Mr Azumah said Okada riders play an important role in communities but often receive little support despite their contribution, particularly during political campaigns.
He said the licence acquisition programme was intended to offer practical support to the riders beyond the usual assistance they receive during election periods.
According to the MP, the initiative will be rolled out in phases, with plans to support more than 1,000 riders across the constituency to obtain the necessary licences.
He also urged the beneficiaries to take their work seriously and stay away from drug abuse and other activities that could jeopardise their future.
Mr Azumah warned that substance abuse could undermine the progress of young riders and prevent them from taking advantage of opportunities available to them.
The beneficiaries welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely and useful to their work.
Some of the riders said having the required licences would reduce confrontations with the police and give them greater confidence to operate.
They also expressed appreciation to the MP for fulfilling a commitment he made during an earlier engagement with the riders.
