Despite the perception among some Ghanaians that the Okada business is only for those struggling to make ends meet, Evans Waja tells a different story.
Mr. Waja, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Okada Riders Association of Ghana (ORAG), is satisfied with the benefits he has gained from the business over the past 17 years, and counting.
He stated that since entering the Okada business in 2008, his standard of living has improved significantly, allowing him to take care of his responsibilities and become the head of a family.
In an interview with Saddick Adams on the Angel Morning Show (AMS), Mr. Waja explained that the income he has earned from the Okada business has been wisely invested, from getting married to starting his own company.
“Yes, I’ve been doing the Okada business since 2008, when I was 17 years old. The Okada business allowed me to learn a trade, get married, build a house, take care of myself, and establish a company where I now employ four people, all through this same Okada business,” he said.
He challenged the notion that the Okada business is unattractive and stated that he would only consider leaving it if President John Mahama offered him a high-ranking government job.
“It’s not a bad job at all, there’s no such thing as a bad job in this country. Considering how far I’ve come in life, the only reason I would leave the Okada business is for a government job. That’s only if President Mahama offers me a position,” he said on Angel TV.
He added “Paying me a monthly salary of 3,000 cedis would be nothing to me. I can earn at least 200 cedis just between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.”
He also revealed that the association has around 3.6 million members nationwide.
Mr. Waja’s comments come as the association appeals to the government to reconsider proposed changes to the laws regulating Okada and Pragya operations, including a suggested age limit that would prevent individuals under 25 from entering the business.
