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Take it or leave it, it appears the ruling National Democratic Congress is gradually warping a thick twine and scouting for a formidable tree to hang itself following the Minister of Transport, Mrs. Dzifa Attivor�s directive to the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit to enforce the law banning the use of motorbikes for commercial purposes. This should not be misconstrued as holding brief for Okada riders, but the question is, did the Transport Ministry and for that matter the government read in full script the Road Traffic Regulation, 20I2 (Legislative Instrument 2180) that banned the use of motor bikes for commercial purposes? Now, to the Minister and all other persons bearing their teeth at the Okada riders; the LI banning Okoda also bans the use of cellular phones, the use of television or video monitors on dashboards of moving vehicles and other handheld communication devices while driving. The Road Traffic Regulations, 1974 (LI 953) also outlaws the use of vehicles with tinted glasses. What has the Transport Ministry and the police done to enforce this law? Or the Ministry and the Police are simply interested in selective application of the law? It baffles any right-thinking member of society to note that though the law applies to all the above- mentioned offenses, Okada riders (who Central government has woefully failed, or refused to provide employment to) are the ones bearing the brunt of the most outrageous police harassments as a result of the government�s directive. For a country grievously lacking in good road infrastructure, and perpetually caught in snarling traffic jams, Okada, the local parlance for commercial motor-cycle operators in Ghana, particularly in the capital city, Accra has become the saving grace for most commuters. The operators of this means of transportation often reach far into areas that are not motorable in the city, and make the huge difference between keeping up to time for appointments and arriving late. Without exaggerating or trying to pass thread into the needle�s eye in the dark, this mode of transport is highly commended in Niger, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Phillipines, Saudi Arabia, Togo and Burkina Faso. Can the NDC government sincerely tell commuters that it has provided alternative means of transportation to cushion the effect of the ban on Okada? How about the thousands of Okada riders that would be suddenly left with no means of livelihood, how does the Transport Ministry and the NDC hope to get them gainfully employed? Telling Police to clamp down on them is the height of callousness and insensitivity on the part of the government. Nobody is disputing the notoriety with which some of these Okada riders operate; the dangers they pose to other road users, can they be blamed for all the road accidents. Gosh! Has the Transport Ministry suddenly forgotten about how road users are knocked down by vehicles, including government officials� convoy on the George Walker Bush road and other roads? Come to think of it, is the Ministry aware that all footbridges that have been constructed at Aboafunu, Apenkwa, Abrantie Spot, Kata International Hostel, and Been-To Complex on the George Walker Bush highway and other major roads cannot be used by persons with disabilities? Is the government telling Ghanaians that banning Okada riders is of more priority to the Transport Ministry and the NDC than enforcing the law relating to disability people? There is no need arguing the point that Okada riders provide the commuters with a quick and convenient form of township transportation in recent times. The commercial motorbike business is an area that has pulled out a lot of people out of destitution and despondency more than it has ever been witnessed in this country in a long time. The business employs a large population of people. Some of them have sustained families, built houses and sent their children to school. There are other occupations that have grown by virtue of the opportunity created by Okada business. Maintenance mechanics, engine oil retailers and additional jobs created by the increase in the number of filling stations that must serve the Okadas. There are also dealers of spare parts needed by these bikes. Okada business is a prospect that became real because people were in need of a means of transportation that conventional taxis could not provide. You could get them at your doorstep without having to trek to a lorry park and it is fast. The fact that there has been an avalanche of operators has helped to stabilize the cost of intra-city transportations. It is true that some criminal elements have infiltrated the business using it to carry out their activities. Criminals are however found in all spectrums of our lives be it in the classical taxi business or in other occupations. Thus a solution to general criminal activities lies in the fortification of the security machine of the state. It is absolutely needless to start giving a catalogue of threat pose to road users by Okada riders. Why, where were those threats when some of these Okada riders were recruited to follow then presidential candidate Mahama on campaign tours out of which resulted in electoral victory for the President of which the ministers are beneficiary? After risking their lives to follow the President around, will the Okada drivers get a quarter of the privileges that appointees of the government are enjoying in their air-conditioned offices and cars? The Okada business is however, one that government should rather encourage as it has been done in some countries where governments buy motorbikes and give them out in their poverty reduction programs. Rather than outright banning Okada business, Parliament and the government should begin to think outside the box to come out with measures that will streamline challenges associated with the business, which whether, the state likes it or not, and just like prostitution; has come to live with us. As pertains in most West African countries, it is possible to streamline the activities of Okada operators by recommending prescribed uniforms for easy identification and also ensuring the rider and his passenger wear crash helmet whiles the operator are made to procure the requisite licensing and registration. Just yesterday one of the state newspapers, The Ghanaian Times reported of some Okada riders embarking on a demonstration asking the government to provide them with jobs; else they will resort to armed robbery. Honestly, the Okada riders have a genuine and legitimate point by asking the government to provide them with jobs. Who feeds who in this country? Unless the government is willing and able to provide alternate livelihood for the Okada riders, it should focus on solving the myriad of problems facing the transport. Has the NDC government finished solving the energy crisis, water and gas shortages? Has the government been able to get striking teachers back to the classrooms? If the Transport Ministry and the NDC want to commit political suicide before 2016, then they should continue to channel all their efforts and energies chasing Okada riders around, to the total neglect of the other major problems facing Ghanaians.