Okada Business and Socio-Economic Development of the Gomoa Districts in the Central Region, Ghana

The Central Region is one of Ghana’s sixteen administrative regions, with Gomoa included in this area. Gomoa consists of three districts: West, East, and Central, where most residents are farmers, mainly focused on crop production, along with a few individuals offering services. This paper examines how the Okada business contributes to socio-economic development in the Gomoa Districts. Given the study area’s characteristics, cluster sampling techniques were used. Purposive sampling was also applied, as the research identified the locations of motor riders, dealers, and customers. Regression analysis was performed to determine the primary reasons why youth engage in this business. Preliminary findings indicate that the youth are drawn to the Okada business for various reasons, including job creation, income generation, social service provision, and enhancing the standard of living in rural communities throughout Ghana.