By Daniel Adu Darko
Accra, Feb. 16, GNA — The Ryders Don’t Play (RDP) MC Ghana Chapter has launched its sixth anniversary celebration with a nationwide road safety campaign aimed at promoting responsible riding and mutual respect among road users.
The campaign seeks to address rising concerns over road accidents, which continue to claim lives, leaving many others, especially young riders, with life-altering injuries due to reckless riding and disregard for road safety regulations.
Mr Emmanuel Rock Nyarko Hanson, Vice President of the group, told the Ghana News Agency that the Chapter chose road safety as the focus of its anniversary after observing persistent dangers confronting motorbike riders on Ghana’s roads.
He said the initiative was designed to promote sanity, respect and recognition among all categories of road users.
“Each year, we give back to society through different interventions. For our sixth anniversary, we decided to focus on road safety. We have realised that many drivers do not respect bikers, particularly riders of smaller commercial motorbikes, popularly known as Okada. We are therefore stepping up awareness creation to encourage drivers to recognise bikers as equal road users and accord them the needed respect to improve safety for all,” he said.
Mr Hanson said that although the group’s core outreach had traditionally centred on supporting the underprivileged, it would extend assistance to commercial riders through the provision of protective gear.
He said items to be distributed would include gloves, elbow, and knee protectors to reduce the severity of injuries in the event of accidents.
He also indicated that the group would engage with medical facilities, especially government hospitals, to encourage thorough clinical assessments of injured riders before decisions on amputations are made.
He said there was a growing public perception that motorbike accident victims were too readily subjected to amputations and stressed the need for careful evaluation and fair treatment.
The Vice President said the campaign was being implemented in partnership with key road sector stakeholders, including the Motor Traffic and Transport Department, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, and the National Road Safety Authority, as well as insurance companies and selected media houses.
He urged the public to avoid stereotyping bikers as irresponsible or lawless, noting that many professionals and accomplished individuals rode motorbikes out of passion and convenience.
“We all drive, yet we also ride. Not everyone on a motorbike is wayward or illiterate. Some highly accomplished people ride. Drivers must respect bikers, and bikers must equally comply with road safety regulations. Jumping traffic lights, speeding in restricted zones and reckless riding must stop,” he advised.
Mr Samuel Adjei Mantey Foxy, General Secretary of the RDP MC Ghana Chapter, said training for Okada riders formed part of the group’s corporate social responsibility to support government efforts at regulating and formalising commercial motorbike transport operations.
He said misconduct and unprofessional dressing among some riders contributed to poor public perception and reduced respect from clients and other road users.
Mr Martin Don Odoi, Treasurer of the Chapter, said the anniversary was launched on February 14, Valentine’s Day, to symbolise the group’s love and commitment to society through road safety advocacy.
He said the theme for the anniversary underscored their resolve to help make roads safer for families, communities and the nation.
As part of the activities, he said Okada groups in Accra would undergo training on road usage, safety compliance and professional conduct on February 27.
He added that fun games and social events involving an orphanage and other biking clubs would be held on February 28 to promote unity within the riding community.
Mr Odoi said the broader objective was to bridge gaps within the riding fraternity, promote collaboration and project a positive image of bikers as responsible members of society.
He said the anniversary programme would also help change negative narratives about bikers and demonstrate that organised riding groups could contribute meaningfully to national development.
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong