ABOUT 300 business motorbikes riders (Okada) have obtained coaching in highway security administration as a part of efforts by Gold Coast Mobility Improvements to professionalise the motorcycle transport sector and enhance public security.
The Founding Accomplice of Gold Coast Mobility Improvements, Mr Ras Mubarak, informed The Ghanaian Occasions in Accra on Wednesday that the corporate has developed a ride-hailing cellular app particularly for motorcycle transport for buyer companies.
This in accordance him, helps convey dignity and sanity to the okada enterprise, “The motivation behind the initiative is the dearth of correct coaching and regulation within the okada transport sector”.
He stated the corporate has taken it upon itself to supply free coaching to business motorcycle riders to enhance highway security and customer support.
He stated many riders don’t follow highway guidelines, which poses dangers to themselves and passengers, therefore the coaching.
Mr Mubarak stated the riders went via highway security, defensive using, buyer care, and look, including that riders additionally obtain helmets, cellphone holders, and reflective jackets free of charge.
“We even give stipends to participants throughout coaching, we wish to convey respect to okada riders, identical to individuals respect DHL or FedEx riders. If they give the impression of being presentable and are skilled correctly, they may earn extra respect and belief from the general public and legislation enforcement,” he defined
Mr Mubarak added that the app screens each rider via a background verify, requiring legitimate paperwork such because the Ghana Card and rider’s license.
“Passengers will have the ability to see the rider’s title, photograph, and registration quantity, which he says will assist enhance public confidence and help nationwide safety,” he stated
Though the initiative is presently personal, the corporate is open to working with authorities businesses Mr Mubarak talked about ongoing discussions with the Driver and Car Licensing Authority (DVLA) about lowering the price of licenses to encourage extra riders to register legally.
“Many of those riders discover the license charges too excessive. But when the charges are diminished, extra will register, and DVLA is not going to lose something. In truth, it can assist the entire nation,” he stated.
Dr Mohammed Sumaila, another accomplice of the corporate stated past highway security and customer support, the coaching additionally coated monetary literacy.
He stated many okada riders earn first rate earnings each day however battle to handle their cash, “So that they have been taught fundamental monetary abilities to assist them save and plan for the long run”.
He stated the corporate plans to increase coaching to different areas and in addition to accomplice with a significant telecom firm to offer free knowledge for riders utilizing the app.
“As well as, discussions are ongoing with motorcycle suppliers to supply hire-purchase offers for riders who want bikes for work,” he stated.
He stated the initiative started in Liberia and Sierra Leone, goals to scale back accidents, enhance rider professionalism, and make okada transport a extra revered and environment friendly a part of Ghana’s transport system.
BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG
