By Kingsley Mamore
Dambai (O/R), July 2, GNA- Commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region say the ongoing security challenges in the area have significantly affected their operations and limited their ability to provide emergency transportation services to residents.
The riders, who play a crucial role in transporting people and goods within the municipality, say the disturbances have created fear and uncertainty, forcing many of them to reduce their movements or suspend operations altogether.
At a gathering in Nkwanta, attended by riders and residents, Mr Solomon Kpema, the leader of the group said the prevailing situation had not only affected their source of livelihood but had also disrupted an essential service they often render to the community
According to him, in the absence of an ambulance service in the municipality, Okada riders frequently assist in transporting sick persons and emergency cases to health facilities, including St. Joseph Hospital and the Government Hospital.
“Nkwanta South currently has no ambulance to convey patients to hospital. It is Okada riders who usually assist by transporting the sick to either St. Joseph Hospital or the Government Hospital. However, because of the current conflict, many riders are unwilling to do so,” he said.
He explained that the reluctance among riders was due to concerns for their personal safety.
“Riders are afraid of being hit by stray bullets while carrying out their duties,” he noted.
The group leader further disclosed that some owners of motorcycles used for commercial operations had withdrawn their motorbikes from service because they feared their riders could be harmed in the disturbances.
“The owners do not want their riders to be killed by stray bullets in town,” he stated.
He said the reduction in the number of operational motorcycles had affected transportation services within the municipality, leaving many residents with limited options for movement, particularly during emergencies.
The riders appealed to government and all stakeholders to take urgent steps to restore peace and security in the municipality to enable them to resume normal operations and continue supporting healthcare delivery and other essential services.
They stressed that restoring calm in the area would not only revive economic activities but also ensure that vulnerable persons and emergency patients could once again access timely transportation to health facilities.
The riders expressed hope that a lasting resolution of the security challenges would help restore confidence among operators and allow them to continue their contribution to community welfare and development in Nkwanta South.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /George-Ramsey Benamba