The Okada Riders Association is in uproar over a newly proposed law in Ghana that restricts commercial motorcycle operations to individuals 25 years of age and older. In a recent, impassioned interview on GHOne TV, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Solomon Akpanaba, voiced severe disapproval and signaled potential legal and political actions if the government doesn't reconsider its stance.

Akpanaba criticized the government for failing to include the Okada Riders Association in the drafting process of the contentious legislation. He suggested that the exclusion of critical stakeholders like themselves led to illogical and impractical policy decisions. “We knew these things would happen once the 13-member committee failed to involve us. They seem to have lost their logical reasoning in bringing out this legislation,” Akpanaba stated, highlighting the frustration felt by many riders who view the age restriction as both unfair and unreasonable.

The core of the Okada Riders Association’s argument lies in the perceived incongruity of the age restriction. Akpanaba pointed out that 18-year-olds are granted the right to vote and participate fully in the democratic process. He questioned why the same individuals, deemed responsible enough to elect national leaders, are then told they are too young to legally work as Okada riders. “Why must someone who voted for John Mahama at 18 now be told by the same administration to wait until 25 before they can work legally as Okada riders?” he questioned, underscoring the perceived contradiction.

In light of what they consider a blatant oversight, the Okada Riders Association is contemplating a series of escalating responses. Akpanaba warned the government to brace itself for potential legal challenges, public demonstrations, and electoral repercussions if their concerns are not addressed. “If not, we will demonstrate, we will take them to court, we will curse them — not spiritually, but when it comes to the next election,” he declared, indicating a multi-pronged approach to fighting the new law.

Akpanaba also expressed the association's frustration with what he described as a dismissive attitude towards their intelligence and contributions. He emphasized that their arguments are grounded in tangible data and practical experience, rather than mere emotion. “They shouldn’t insult our intelligence. We didn’t come here wearing coats and ties — we came with logic and scientific research. So if they want respect, they should respect us too,” he added, calling for mutual respect and recognition of the Okada riders’ expertise.

The Okada Riders Association's firm stance signals a potentially protracted battle with the government over the new age-restriction law. The association appears prepared to leverage all available means, from legal recourse to political activism, to defend the livelihoods of its members and challenge what they view as an unjust policy.