Fifty motorcyclists in the Akrofuom District have been presented with valid driver’s licences as part of a joint initiative by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akrofuom, Hon. Joseph Azumah, and the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Gariba Mustapha Mohammed, to regularise motorcycle operations in the area.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring that motorcyclists operating on public roads in the district meet the necessary legal requirements and possess the requisite knowledge and skills to ride safely.
The presentation was made at a short ceremony attended by officials of the Akrofuom District Assembly, beneficiaries, and some leading members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the constituency.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Joseph Azumah said the move formed part of broader efforts to bring motorcycle operations in the district under proper regulation while promoting road safety.
He explained that the initiative was intended not only to help motorcyclists obtain the appropriate documentation but also to encourage responsible riding and compliance with road traffic regulations.
According to him, steps were already being taken to regularise the operations of other motorcyclists in the district, with the ultimate objective of making Akrofuom a model for other districts to emulate.
Hon. Azumah urged the beneficiaries to regard the acquisition of their licences as a responsibility rather than a privilege to disregard road safety rules.
He cautioned them to observe all traffic regulations, ride cautiously and respect other road users to help reduce the increasing incidence of road crashes.
The MP further warned the beneficiaries that possessing a valid driver’s licence did not exempt them from arrest or prosecution when they violated traffic laws.
He stressed that the licences were evidence that the beneficiaries had met the basic legal requirements to operate motorcycles, but they were still required to obey all applicable road traffic regulations.
“Having a licence does not mean you are immune from arrest,” he cautioned, urging the motorcyclists to exercise restraint and responsibility whenever they were on the road.
Hon. Azumah assured other motorcyclists who had not benefited from the first phase that arrangements would be made to accommodate them in the next batch.
He said the initiative would be sustained to ensure that more motorcyclists operating within the district were properly licensed and encouraged to adopt safe riding practices.
Assembly Commends Motorcyclists.
The District Coordinating Director, Mr. David Dokli, who represented the DCE, Hon. Gariba Mustapha Mohammed, commended the motorcyclists for their contribution to the local economy and transportation system.
He acknowledged that motorcyclists played an important role in helping residents travel to their various destinations, particularly in areas where conventional public transportation might not always be readily available.
Mr. Dokli, however, stressed that the important role played by motorcyclists came with the responsibility to protect their own lives as well as those of their passengers.
He therefore urged the beneficiaries to make safety a priority and to ensure that their motorcycles were operated responsibly at all times.
He also encouraged them to respect other road users and avoid behaviours that could endanger pedestrians, passengers and motorists.
The presentation of the licences is expected to contribute to efforts to improve compliance with road traffic laws and promote safer motorcycle operations across the Akrofuom District.
The event was attended by officers of the Akrofuom District Assembly and other officials, as well as leading NDC party functionaries in the constituency.
