Bright Botchway, the National Deputy Director of the Traders and Artisans Network of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has outlined several groundbreaking initiatives that the party plans to implement if elected in 2025.
Speaking during a campaign tour in Kasoa, Central Region, on August 22, 2024, Mr. Botchway emphasized the party’s commitment to empowering Ghanaian youth and transforming local industries.
According to him, the next NDC government will introduce mobile abattoirs and electric tricycles, along with the legalization and regulation of motorcycle taxis, popularly known as “Okada.” He believes this will revolutionize the transportation and meat industries in Ghana.
The NDC national executive also underscored the significant role that “Okada” plays in providing employment for over 700,000 young Ghanaians, including many graduates who have found a livelihood in this sector due to limited job opportunities.
He argued that legalizing and regulating “Okada” is not just a progressive move but a necessary one to ensure the safety and economic sustainability of this growing industry. Citing successful examples from countries like Brazil, he expressed confidence that, with proper regulations, this mode of transport could become safe and efficient, while also helping to reduce youth unemployment in Ghana.
Expanding on the party’s plans, Mr. Botchway further mentioned the establishment of charging stations in every constituency to support the use of electric tricycles. These stations, he explained, would create up to 300 direct jobs in each constituency, providing vital employment opportunities across the nation.
This initiative, he noted, is a key part of the NDC’s broader strategy to boost local economies and create sustainable livelihoods for the youth.
In addition, the NDC plans to assemble electric bikes locally, a move that Mr. Botchway believes will stimulate industrial growth and offer customized solutions for various businesses. He highlighted that specially designed tricycles will be available for butchers, enabling them to operate mobile abattoirs efficiently.
“These mobile units will bring slaughtering facilities directly to communities, ensuring that butchers and traders have access to hygienic and cost-effective services, ultimately improving the quality of meat products available in markets,” he explained.
Also present at the event were George Opare Addo, Esq., the National Youth Organizer of the NDC; Naa Koryoo Okunor, the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for Awutu Senya East; and Ruth Seddoh.
Bright Botchway addressing party supporters