News
Be discipline, responsible to avoid accidents – police urges ‘okada’riders
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
Warning: Trying to access array offset on false in /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
&description=Be discipline, responsible to avoid accidents – police urges ‘okada’riders ', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
Warning: Trying to access array offset on false in /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
&description=Be discipline, responsible to avoid accidents – police urges ‘okada’riders ', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
Motorcycle riders have been urged to observe road safety regulations in order to prevent accidents and loss of lives.
The appeal targets commercial operators, amid concerns over rising indiscipline and disregard for basic safety requirements on the roads.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Anthony Zumoh Baligi, Osu Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) Commander, gave the advice during a health screening and safety training for riders in Accra.
The exercise, organised by Impact World 360°, a non-profit corporation, trained more than 70 riders in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), bleeding control and safe handling of accident victims to improve response at crash scenes.
ASP Baligi said many riders undertook journeys without considering the consequences, despite having dependents.
He said some operators rode without valid licences, insurance, and proper registration of their motorcycles.
“In some cases, riders are unable to confirm whether the motorbikes they use are roadworthy or even legally acquired,” he mentioned.
ASP Baligi also indicated that some riders even attempted to bribe police officers when arrested, but later accused them of corruption, stressing that compliance with the law remained the best way to avoid confrontation.
He said disregard for traffic rules, including lane discipline and right-of-way, as well as riding against traffic and weaving through vehicles, increased the risk of crashes.
ASP Baligi identified fatigue as a major risk factor, noting that long hours on the road without adequate rest impaired judgment and reaction time.
He further stated that road crashes also imposed financial burdens, including costs of investigations and mandatory testing, which could be avoided through responsible riding.
ASP Baligi advised riders to ensure their documents were in order, respect traffic regulations and allow sufficient time for rest.
He also urged employers to avoid placing undue pressure on riders to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines.
The programme included health screening for conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes as well as practical emergency response training.
Nana Noi, Coordinator of Impact World 360°, described the initiative as a “gamechanger,” combining health awareness with emergency response training.
She said the initiative could help reduce fatalities associated with road crashes.
The programme, supported by the United States Embassy in Ghana, aimed to encourage participants to share life-saving knowledge within their communities. –GNA
The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as “Ayitey Powers,” over an alleged threat of death against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo.
According to the Police, the 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged threat.
The Police said the arrest followed a video circulating on social media in which Ayitey Powers is alleged to have issued the threat against Mr Ampofo.
He is currently in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.
The Accra Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat and determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the law.
The Command has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the matter while the investigation continues.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin has sued the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory comments made against him on the Newsfile programme.
In a writ filed at the High Court in Accra, Mr Afenyo Markin is seeking GH¢15 million in damages, an apology and retraction of the statements, among other reliefs.
The suit follows comments allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.
According to the statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo Markin as an “extortionist” while responding to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.
The plaintiff claims that Mr Gyamfi repeated the allegation when the host sought clarification on whether he stood by the description.
Mr Afenyo Markin further claims that Mr Gyamfi challenged him to sue him and insisted that the allegation was true.
The plaintiff argues that the statements created the impression that he engages in extortion, uses his political influence to put improper pressure on public institutions and officials, and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of a lawyer and public office holder.
He denies the allegations and maintains that he is not an extortionist and has never engaged in the conduct alleged by Mr Gyamfi.
The Minority Leader also argues that the comments were made maliciously and were presented as facts without evidence being disclosed.
He claims the statements have damaged his reputation, professional standing and public image, particularly because of his position as a senior political figure and legal practitioner.
The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant because, according to the plaintiff, the alleged defamatory comments were broadcast through JoyNews and subsequently circulated on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.
Mr Afenyo Markin claims Multimedia failed to stop the comments or deactivate Mr Gyamfi’s microphone after the allegations were made.
He is therefore asking the court to award him general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as GH¢15 million in compensation and legal costs.
He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction and public apology.
The plaintiff wants the apology and retraction to be given similar prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the social media platforms where the comments were disseminated.
He is further seeking a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from repeating the alleged defamatory statements or words with a similar meaning.
The writ requires the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after being served.
It warns that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered in their absence.
The case was filed by lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers on behalf of Mr Afenyo Markin.
By: Jacob Aggrey
