Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe has revealed the John Mahama government is introducing new, stricter regulations for the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles.
According to the Minister of Transport, as part of the recommended amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations only persons aged 25 years and above will be allowed to operate commercial motorcycles or tricycles.
Also, riders must be in employment by or registered with a licensed commercial motorcycle/tricycle union or company to be eligible.
Speaking at the national stakeholder consultation in Accra on Monday, April 7, 2025, the minister stated, “Our utmost priority is the safety and welfare of the riders and passengers”.
“We have witnessed increasing road traffic crashes and fatalities involving motorcycles and tricycles. There are also concerns over safety regulations, disregard of road traffic laws, and the pressing need for a structured approach,” Mr Nikpe stated.
In the draft Legislative Instrument (LI), the following will become mandatory for okada and tricycle operators:
- Must be at least 25 years old
- Must possess a valid national ID
- Must have a commercial rider’s licence issued by the DVLA
- Must pass a proficiency test (including oral, theory, and eye exams)
- Must undergo training and be assigned a unique yellow licence plate
- Must wear a certified protective helmet with a unique number
- Must provide a helmet for passengers
- Must obey all traffic laws and speed regulations
Meanwhile, the National Union of Okada Riders has been calling for the regularization of commercial okada operations, emphasizing that it has become an integral part of the transport sector in Ghana.
According to the union, there is currently no structured plan for their operations in the country.
