The Sogakope Area Chapter of the Church of Pentecost in the Volta Region has launched a new initiative to promote road safety and discipline among commercial motorbike riders, popularly known as okada riders.
Dubbed “Ministry to Okada Riders,” the programme is the first of its kind by a church in the region. It aims to address safety and security challenges confronting the over 3.5 million okada riders nationwide, while complementing government efforts to regulate their operations.
As part of the launch, riders embarked on a 30-minute procession through Sogakope before converging at the ceremony, which drew officials from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), and the Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC).
Pastor Edward Brains Agidi-Quarshie, Sogakope Area Head of the Church of Pentecost, said the initiative reflects the church’s commitment to responding to social concerns affecting the community.
Municipal Chief Executive, Victoria Dzeklo, praised the riders for their contribution to crime reduction in the area but urged them to remain vigilant and security-conscious. Tongu Divisional MTTD Commander, ASP Victor Mensah Sekey, also cautioned against reckless riding and assured that his outfit would intensify education and enforcement.
National President of the Okada Riders’ Association, Michael Kofi Owusu, commended the church for its intervention and appealed to the DVLA to make licensing processes more affordable and transparent to prevent extortion.
So far, about 3,000 riders have been registered in parts of the Volta Region as part of the nationwide exercise.
Source: Odehyeba Owusu Job
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