1,140 Bikes Seized

The impounded motorbikes
A special exercise organised by the Accra Regional Police Command has led to the seizure of a total of 1,140 motorbikes used for commercial purposes (known as okada) within the Accra Metropolis.

The operation was conducted within the seven divisional police headquarters and was led by all divisional and district commanders around 5:00 am yesterday.

A tour to the divisional headquarters yesterday revealed that out of the number, the Kaneshie Division impounded a total of 185 motorbikes, while the Dansoman Division also impounded 104.

Accra Central Division seized 71 unregistered ones, while the Tesano Division also impounded 81.

The Kpeshie Divisional topped the list with a total of 337 motorbikes.

DCOP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, who led a team of journalists to the various divisional headquarters, expressed satisfaction for the exercise, adding that the operation was to reduce crime in Accra.

Robbery
DCOP Yohuno said investigations conducted indicated that many of the criminals use motorbikes for robbery within the Accra Metropolis.

According to the police officer, this is because the riders normally meander through traffic to escape when they are being chased by the police.

In view of this, he said the Police Administration also introduced the use of motorbikes for patrol duties and that it was yielding good results.

He added that all the 1,140 bikes would be screened and the owners or users of found culpable would be prosecuted.

DCOP Yohuno, told the media that it was unlawful for some individuals to use motorbikes for commercial purposes but this directive normally fell on deaf ears.

Road Traffic Offences
The Accra Regional Commander said some of the motorbike riders do not even obey traffic regulations.

'When traffic lights turn red, they are supposed to stop but instead, they rather move.

'Lots of people have lost their lives as a result yet, these riders continue to disobey traffic laws.

'Normally policemen deployed to check traffic are not able to apprehend the defaulters since they always escape,' the police officer lamented.

 By Linda Tenyah