Queen Mother issues ultimatum to ban Okada operations in Kenyasi No. 2
The Paramount Queen Mother of Kenyasi No. 2, Nana Akua Aboagyewaa Tinkwamaa II, has issued a strong ultimatum to operators of commercial motorbikes, commonly known as okada, threatening an immediate ban if the spate of reckless riding and fatal accidents in the area does not cease.
The warning was delivered during a high-level stakeholder engagement convened by the traditional council. Addressing riders, assembly members, and youth groups, the Nkosobaapayin (Queen Mother’s representative), Nana Abena Fosuaa, conveyed the Queen Mother’s deep concern over what she described as a growing threat to public safety.
According to Nana Abena Fosuaa, the community has been alarmed by a surge in motor accidents involving okada riders, many of which have resulted in tragic fatalities.
She attributed the crisis to riders’ blatant disregard for traffic regulations and a culture of careless riding that has instilled fear in residents.
“The Queen Mother cannot stand by and watch her people live in fear or lose their lives due to recklessness on our roads,” Nana Abena Fosuaa stated.
She issued a firm deadline, warning that if okada riders do not immediately begin adhering to road safety rules within the coming days, the Queen Mother will be left with no choice but to invoke her authority to ban the commercial bike operations entirely in order to protect the community.
The threat of a ban has been met with concern by local rider unions. However, Frank Kofi Adusei, Head of the Omanbotantim Association, commended the Queen Mother for her proactive leadership in addressing the escalating situation. He acknowledged the validity of the concerns raised and called for a collaborative solution.
Mr. Adusei appealed to the traditional council and other stakeholders to prioritize intensive road safety education for all commercial motorbike operators in the municipality.
“An outright ban would affect livelihoods, but the loss of life is far more devastating,” he said.
“There is an urgent need for comprehensive training and sensitization on traffic rules to ensure that our riders can operate safely and sustainably within the community.”
