Accidents involving commercial motorbikes, popularly known as ‘Okada’, top cases recorded at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Accident Centre, General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr Justice Yankson has revealed.
According to him, the situation is putting pressure on doctors and the meager resources available at the hospital.
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Dr Yankson made the comment on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Monday after the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak called for the legalisation of the ‘Okada’ business in Parliament.
The MP, whose constituents ply that trade, told Parliament the legalisation of motorcycles [Okada] for commercial purposes “can generate revenue and create jobs to address the unemployment challenges in the country.”
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His position was seconded by the MP for Tema East and deputy Transport Minister, Mr Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover who believes a proper regulation of the ‘Okada’ business would prevent needless accidents.
But, Dr Yankson vehemently disagreed, explaining that, it is a disaster waiting to happen.
He noted that, already, Ghana is losing its human resource base through accidents involving the ‘Okada’ riders and is likely to increase if backed by law.
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The GMA General Secretary cited how a young woman sitting behind an ‘Okada’ lost her leg in an accident to buttress his point.
He said the cost of treating such cases, which sometimes involve serious head injuries, annually is affecting healthcare delivery at the various hospitals.
Dr Yankson said since Ghanaians prefer motorbikes to beat traffic, the government should rather improve the transport system.
He warned that Ghana would be sitting on a ticking time bomb if the government succumbs to pressure from the MPs.
Ghana|Adomonline.com|Adwoa Gyasiwaa Agyeman