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The Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has paid a courtesy visit to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, as part of efforts to engage religious leaders ahead of Ghana’s planned commercialisation of motorcycle taxis, popularly known as Okada.
Kotey underscored the importance of involving Islamic leadership in the conversation, noting that a significant number of motorcycle riders in Ghana are from Muslim communities. He expressed optimism that collaboration with the Chief Imam’s office would help sensitise riders on road safety and licensing regulations.
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“Our mandate is to make the roads safer. Now that we are set to commercialise Okada, it is crucial to engage with people at the grassroots,” Kotey stated.
He also stressed the role of religious teachings in promoting responsible road use and compliance with traffic regulations.
“I may be wrong in this, but most of the people who ride motorbikes on our roads fall under the Muslim community. So, the Islamic aspect will be needed to keep our roads safer. And it is good to make the Islamic king himself aware of this so they can help us during the time of our education,” he added.
The visit was also an opportunity for the DVLA leadership to seek the Chief Imam’s counsel and prayers. Kotey reaffirmed the DVLA’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of religious background, have access to vehicle registration and licensing services.
In response, the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, encouraged unity and support for President John Dramani Mahama, highlighting the importance of national cohesion. He praised Ghana’s interfaith harmony and urged citizens to safeguard it.
“This nation has been blessed with peace between Muslims and Christians—something not all countries enjoy. We must be thankful and continue to support efforts that promote national unity,” he said.
He also advised government officials to be humble and respectful in their roles, urging them to support their leaders for the collective good of the nation.
“As staff, be humble and respectful to your leader. Support him to succeed, because when he succeeds, the whole country benefits,” he advised.
Quoting the Quran, the Chief Imam reminded Ghanaians of their shared origins and stressed that diversity should be a unifying force rather than a cause for division.
This engagement between the DVLA and the Chief Imam marks a significant step in fostering collaboration between state institutions and religious leaders, particularly in ensuring that the commercialisation of Okada is carried out with a strong focus on safety and regulation.
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