The National Okada Ridders Association of Ghana, has voiced their discontent with what they perceive as a double standard in the country’s legal system. Comparing the treatment of motorbike riders to that of LGBTQ+ individuals, the group argues that laws regulating motorbike usage are more stringent and infringe upon fundamental rights to a greater extent.
They accuse certain members of parliament and academic figures of “hypocrisy” for their vocal opposition to the LGBTQ+ law while remaining silent on what they see as injustices faced by motorbike riders.
The statement also singles out the Catholic Church leadership for criticism, suggesting that their stance on LGBTQ+ rights warrants scrutiny.
The group challenges lawmakers to prioritize addressing the issues faced by motorbike riders, asserting that their needs are more pressing than those of the LGBTQ+ community.
As debates over human rights violations and legal consequences continue, the group calls for a reevaluation of the laws governing motorbike usage in Ghana and urges lawmakers to advocate on their behalf in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.
Read the full statement below
THE LAW AGAINST OKADA RIDERS, MOTOR BIKE USERS AND PILLION RIDERS IS MORE DRACONIAN AND VIOLATES THEIR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS THAN THE LAW AGAINST THE LGBTQ÷.
Ladies and gentlemen from the media fraternity good morning to you.
Our attention has been drawn to concerns of some respectable key personalities of our land against some portions of the law against the LGBTQ+ “TRUMU TRUMU”
With all due respect, we want to tell them that the ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATIONS concerning the use of motor bikes whether for commercial or private use is very difficult to entirely comply with.
A careful study of the entire act 683/2004 simply means that it takes the leniency of the police and the judge for one to use a motor bike on our roads whether for commercial or private purposes without been arrested prosecuted, and convicted.
We are therfore appalled by the sentiments and reservations of some members of Parliament and other members of the academia against the LGBTQ law .
As for the position of the Catholic Church leadership, the little said about them, the better.
Ladies and gentlemen, by this release, we want to register our disappointment and revulsion against the aforementioned personalities and also to ask them whether the members of the LGBTQ+ are more special than the rest of Ghanaians or what at is their interest for standing against the law?
If its concerns of human rights violations and the consequences of convictions of those who may fall victims, we are saying that Okada and other motor bike users are worse off.
We challenge the said members of parliament to look into the law against riders in Ghana and speak on our behalf because they need us come December 7 than the LGBTQ+.
Ladies and gentlemen, we thank you for your attention and we shall avail ourselves for interviews as and when the need arise. Thank you so much.
COMMUNICATIONS BUREAU, NATIONAL OKADA RIDERS ASSOCIATION OF GHANA.
AKPANABA SOLOMON
