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Promoting cost efficient transport solutions to bridge the urban divide and help Government in realizing it’s Digital Inclusion Agenda

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The rapid increase in population in Ghana has not been matched with a corresponding growth in jobs as is characteristic of most developing nations of the world.

Urbanization in West Africa does not yet appear to be delivering the improvements in economic growth and quality of life achieved elsewhere in South East Asia, whose growth statistics have been similar to that of the continental sub region.

Instead our cities are growing in largely an unplanned manner stretching existing infrastructure and services to beyond breaking point and failing to improve productivity and creation of jobs.

 

Whether the population surge turns out to be a good or bad thing depends , largely on how government and policy makers respond, enabling job creation and improving the absorption of people into the private sector.

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Opportunities abound in turning an informal system into a formal tax paying, data providing system.

 

We need to consider legalizing, regulating and creating an improved  transport system using motorcycles, instead of sticking our heads in the sand and hoping the menace of Okada will disappear. An outright ban will be disastrous and chaotic, to say the least. Lets take our neighbors Nigeria as an example, after Lagos banned the popular okada which employs majority of its citizens, the city has descended into chaos, with protests and demonstrations every day of the week.

 

Ghana can show its leadership in West Africa by adopting a better route than that of our neighbors, in essence Nigeria usually looks to emulate Ghana in our Innovative endeavors, sighting the recent brilliantly planned and successful execution of the Year of return 2019 celebrations, with their own Door of return 2020.

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Okada is synonymous with recklessness, disorganization and unsafe mobility options.

 

What if we transformed this social phenomenon into an organized, regulated, safer and more convenient mode of transportation to ease up the pressures on our fragile transportation infrastructure.

 

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Research and studies have shown that two-wheel modes of transportation are going to become the main mode of transportation in Africa within this decade.

 

Other South Eastern Asian countries have done it, and we in West Africa with similar demographic and intellect can replicate them.

 

The likes of Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam have shown by example that with technology and a supportive legal structure, any nation interested in digital transformation, can overturn this once thought okada menace into a convenient economic growth driver.

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Technology firms such as Grab, Gojek have attracted and built multibillion-dollar companies through innovation and leveraging on supportive policies, which have helped attract FDI’s form Venture capital funds around the world.

 

These countries reap massive benefits and created a more dynamic transportation system using motorcycles, thereby helping to transform an informal menace into a formal tax paying licensed economic driving force.

This system has positively impacted the livelihoods of majority of its citizens regarding their economic future.

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My search for answers led me to one such organization aiming to replicate this model in West Africa.

BluBird Technologies, is a Ghanaian tech and transport start-up led by its Ghanaian founder, Gerald Acheampong, a poised smart and very shrewd entrepreneur, together with his team of technology and transport experts from various backgrounds are working to replicate this innovation in Ghana hopefully across West Africa.

Safety concerns persist among certain circles and its not surprising why:

The high rate of road traffic accidents involving reckless riders who flaunt traffic regulations can be curbed with better trained regulated and licensed drivers recognized on our roads.

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Cutting through some of these concerns, I urge critics to consider the shorter journeys regulated motorbike taxis would make compared to regular okada drivers.

It will be more pertinent and accurate to forecast the service by analyzing  the accident rate of existing okada riders and the new improved motorcycle ride hailing services that will offer on demand food and grocery delivery for instance.

If cars and other vehicles were unregulated and didn’t respect traffic regulations, similar safety concerns would arise.

There are pros and cons to every human system, but my belief is that entrepreneurs will solve Africa’s problems with support from lawmakers.

Ghana’s urban landscape could be on the cusp of a significant change if motorcycles are given the goahead with drivers accessing proper training and licensing.

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Motorbike taxis can serve as a complement to public transport in our cities where transportation system remain underdeveloped or are still being developed.

 

This does not have to be a debate between the elitist minority who prefer a ban, yet have an okada driver who attends errands on their behalf while they sit in their airconditioned offices dreading the hectic traffic on the streets of Accra and other major cities.

Many commuters use the informal motor taxis for the the first and last part of their journeys as there is a massive transport gap between homes and offices and public stops.

During the just ended Year of return festivities, many tourist unable to contain the Accra traffic opted for motorcycles to reach their much anticipated concerts.

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I firmly believe that the necessary support for and collaboration between private entities like BluBird Technologies, policy makers, Ministry of Transport, and other government agencies driving Ghana’s digital inclusion agenda will lead to promising massive economic gain for the people of Ghana.

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's Reign

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.

The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.

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This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.

The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.

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Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement

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Mr. Beast

World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.

His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.

Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.

Read Also: Producers of 'Beast of No Nation' return to filming in Ghana, causing upset in parliament

The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.

The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.

While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.

This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.

“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.

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If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.

Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.

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‘I have enough experience to contribute to sports – Asamoah Gyan reacts to political appointment
“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.

Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).

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The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.

However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.

He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.

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Rebecca Osam: A Champion for Women’s Empowerment in Africa

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In a heartfelt social media post, Rebecca Osam, Managing Director of Reflo Company Limited, Reflo’s TV, and Femme Fatale Productions Limited, has pledged her full commitment to empowering young women.

Rebecca expressed her desire to move beyond mere inspiration and instead build a deeper connection with young women, offering guidance and support to help them achieve their goals.

Her passion for women’s empowerment stems from her experiences growing up in Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the oppression and lack of opportunities faced by women. This drove her to co-found The Florence Mensah Foundation with her mother, aiming to empower African women and girls, and encourage them to recognise their worth, strength, and potential.

Through her foundation and personal endeavors, Rebecca seeks to provide a supportive platform for young women to thrive. She aims to be a relatable figure, offering mentorship and encouragement to help them overcome challenges and achieve success on their own terms.

Rebecca’s dedication to empowering young women proves her leadership and commitment to creating positive change in her community. Her efforts serve as an inspiration to others, highlighting the impact one person can have in driving gender equality and women’s empowerment.

As Rebecca continues her work, her message resonates with young women across Africa: “Anything is possible, and I am here to support and cheer you on every step of the way.”

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Caradise Ghana Car Rental Facilitates Transportation for Global Christian Forum held in Accra

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Caradise Ghana Car Rental has once again successfully facilitated the transportation of over 240 participants from 60 countries across the globe for the recently ended Global Christian Forum in Accra, Ghana.

Numerous buses hauled the various participants from the Airport to their designated hotels from the 12th to 15th of April, 2024. Participants were then transported from their hotels to the conference grounds daily for the gathering of devoted Christians from the 16th to the 19th of April, 2024.

The forum began with a vibrant, joyful worship service held at Accra Ridge Church. The Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah welcomed participants to Ghana and to the Fourth Global Gathering, and participants spent the day sharing their faith stories with one another across the litany of differences represented. 

The forum was climaxed with a dinner and 25th anniversary celebration at the Action Chapel Internation Church hosted by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams.

After the forum, the participants took the opportunity to visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum where they learnt about the great Pan-Africanist, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Ghana’s journey to inpendence.

The participants also spent a day in Cape Coast where they learnt about the millions of enslaved, dehumanised African men, women, and children at the Cape Coast Castle. Witnessing first hand how Africans were forcibly taken captive to the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe as objects of lucrative trade.

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DJ Khaled Announces Second Annual We The Best Foundation Golf Classic On June 12 & 13 in Miami Beach !

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GRAMMY® Award-winning, global megastar DJ Khaled proudly announces the return of his annual WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC for the second year in a row.

For 2024, the mega-popular charity event expands to two days on Wednesday June 12 and Thursday June 13 in Miami, FL. Given the demand by countless superstar artists, A-list athletes, and entertainers to participate, he needed to stretch the proceedings over two days!

Once again, the event will be sponsored by Jordan Brand, and all proceeds support the We The Best Foundationand its numerous efforts to bolster education. Stay tuned for the multitude of exciting confirmed guests, and more.

Khaled created a cultural groundswell and personally appeared on ESPN’s SPORTSCENTER to break the news of the second installment of the WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC today. Watch HERE.

Regarding the return of the WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC, he commented, “Last year, the WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC brought out so many friends and family to make a difference, play some great golf, and have an incredible day for a great cause. This year, we’re going even bigger, and we thank everyone for their continued support. TEE UP AND BLESS UP!”

Last year, the inaugural WE THE BEST FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC hosted Serena Williams, pro golfers Michael Block and Bubba Watson, Odell Beckham, JR., Shannon Sharpe, Victor Cruz, Jalen Rose, Terrell Owens, Marcus Jordan, Jeezy, Quavo, The-Dream, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, Fat Joe, Cedric The Entertainer, Joey Fatone, and more. The foundation raised over $500,000 which benefited the enrichment of children and youth through educational programming, scholarships, and extracurricular activities.

More guests and partners for 2024 will be unveiled soon.

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