Okada Riders’ Saga: What authority do you have to halt the crackdown operations? – Prof Prempeh to Sam George

The Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC), Professor H Kwasi Prempeh, has criticised the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, for ordering the suspension of an enforcement exercise by the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission (PCSRC) and the Ghana Police.

In a Facebook post on 23 August 2025, Professor Prempeh argued that the minister’s directive effectively undermines the authority of the regulator. He questioned whether the minister had the legal power to halt an enforcement action, adding that political interference remains a major obstacle to building a strong rule of law in Ghana.

“What is the point of setting up a regulatory body with the authority to enforce rules in a designated industry if a minister or politician can countermand its actions? Does the law give him the power to do so? Why have the regulator at all then?” he asked.

Professor Prempeh noted that ministers are typically limited to issuing broad policy directives and should not intervene in regulatory actions on a case-by-case basis. He warned that improper political involvement renders regulators ineffective and erodes public confidence.

The minister’s order, issued on X (formerly Twitter) on 21 August 2025, followed public outrage after a video went viral showing chaotic scenes near the National Theatre in Accra. The footage captured delivery riders clashing with PCSRC officials during an operation to seize unlicensed motorcycles.

Defending his decision, Mr George stated that while the enforcement exercise was legally justified, it should not continue without broader consultation and public awareness.

“I have directed an immediate halt to the ongoing enforcement action by the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission. The exercise is necessary to bring order to the use of motorbikes for delivery services as stipulated by law, but more stakeholder engagement and public education are required before it resumes. We must enforce the law with a humane face to it,” he said.

The government is expected to hold discussions with key stakeholders before deciding on the next steps for enforcing regulations in the courier sector.