TAMALE, the Northern Regional capital, could otherwise be described as the motor city of Ghana.
It is a city, where a lot of people, particularly those in the middle-income earning group, use motorbikes as their means of transport.
However, one of the nasty sides of motorcycling in Tamale is the practice of having more than one pillion rider – two, three, four and even five.
What is of more concern is the involvement of children in this dangerous practice.
Some motorists in the metropolis pick up to five children on a single motorbike, mostly to school or prayer centres.
It is surprising that parents, who are expected to be extremely protective of their children, are themselves involved in this act. And in some cases, even a child can be seen carrying two of his colleagues (as is shown in the picture).
Worst of all, the children are not made to wear any protective gear. In most cases, even the driver does not wear a helmet, how much more the pillion riders.
One wonders what would make an adult, of sane mind, to carry three or more children, along with him or her, on a single motorbike.
Most people, who were interviewed over this matter, explained that when a person had to pick more than one child from one place to another and, yet, had not got a car and could not afford to hire a taxi, he or she was tempted to opt for the use of a motorbike.
Asked why the person could not pick the children in turns, they explained that it was costly and time-consuming to move the children in badges.
However, it is difficult to accept these excuses, because how can one compromise the safety of his or her children under the excuse of poverty.
Others also claim that they are forced into this practice, as Mohammed Abdullah, a resident narrated:
“One day, I was picking my two children to school and one of our neighbours begged me to take his child along and drop him on the way.
“Since then, he expects that each day I pick my two children, I should pick his child along and I cannot refuse, because if I do, I will be portrayed as a selfish individual.”
Indeed, picking more than a single pillion rider is a crime under the Road Traffic Law (Act 761, 2008).
According to the law, a person who carries another person on a motorcycle, which is not constructed or adapted for the carriage of more than one person, is liable to a fine of not exceeding 10 penalty units or a term of imprisonment not exceeding for months or both.
What, therefore, is the Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU) doing to nip this canker in the bud? the Daily Graphic asked the Northern Regional Commander of the MTTU, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Godwin Cashman Blewushie.
“We are aware of this disturbing phenomenon,” he responded, adding that the police had on many occasions arrested persons who were riding motorcycles and carrying more than the required number of pillion riders.
DSP Blewushie, however, admitted that it was a difficult task trying to stop people from engaging in this practice due to the socio-cultural environment.
“You see, the people in the north have adapted to the use of motorbikes and this is largely due to some economic reasons,” he explained, adding that the motorbike is, therefore, used for different things that should have been done by the use of a vehicle.
He said the MTTU would, nonetheless, continue to do its best to stop overloading on motorcycles, whether it involved children or not.
The MTTU Commander further noted that, the police were not only on the streets checking drivers of vehicles, but were also dealing accordingly with motor-riders who disobeyed road traffic or safety regulations.
He said several people had been arrested and charged for offences that include failure to wear protective helmets, driving unregistered motorcycles and using unapproved routes.
One can only pray and hope that something drastic is done to stop this practice so as to avoid any tragedy in the near future.
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