Sam George Comes to the Rescue of Okada Courier Riders, Halts Enforcement of Licensing Regulation
- Sam George, the minister of communications, halted the enforcement of the regulation requiring courier riders to have licenses
- The Ghana Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission began targeting unlicensed courier operators on August 20
- The minister released a statement explaining why the enforcement has been halted following complaints from couriers
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Minister for Communication Sam George has stopped the enforcement of the regulation requiring courier riders to obtain licenses before operating.
George said there was a need for better stakeholder engagement on the matter.
Source: Facebook
The Ghana Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission began targeting unlicensed courier operators on August 20, leading to arrests and the seizure of motorbikes.
In a statement, the minister acknowledged that the enforcement of the regulation was necessary.
“The action, in conjunction with the Ghana Police, is a necessary activity to bring some sanity and order to the use of motorbikes for delivery purposes as stipulated by law."
"However, I believe the Commission needs to do more stakeholder engagements and public sensitisation before the enforcement activities commence."
3News reported that his directive comes after a group of concerned courier motor riders petitioned the Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, following recent enforcement actions by the Ghana Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission.
On August 22, courier service operators in Accra have expressed frustration after more than 150 riders were arrested in a joint crackdown by the Ghana Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission (PCSRC).
The arrested operators, many of whom work through ride-hailing platforms say they have been left without adequate support to meet licensing requirements and are struggling with the high costs involved.
About the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission
The Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission regulates the Postal and Courier Sector in Ghana.
The Commission was established under the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission Act, 2003 (Act 649).
The Commission is responsible for the implementation of national policies under the control of the Minister for Communications and in line with the National Postal Policy through its board – the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission Board of Commissioners.
In line with Government of Ghana’s vision to transform the postal sector into a liberalized, modern and competitive service sector to meet the demands of the growing business community and the general public, the Ministry of Communications (MoC), promoted the enactment of the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission Act, (Act 649) in August 2003.
Okada riders in a head-on collision
YEN.com.gh reported that two okada riders died in a tragic accident during a colleague's funeral ceremony at Enyan Asempayin in the Ajumako Anyan Essiam District in June 2024.
The duo had joined other motorbike riders to pull daring stunts at the ceremony in honour of their departed colleague.
Unfortunately, the two rammed into each other at top speed and died on the spot.
Source: YEN.com.gh
