Joseph Bukari Nikpe the minister for transport has lowered the minimum age for Okada riders from 25 to 21.
According to Joseph Bukari Nikpe, he has prepared a memo for Cabinet approval to formalise the new age limit in the upcoming legislation.
The age reduction follows widespread concerns over the initial proposal, which required riders to be at least 25 years old before they would be legalised as Okada riders.
The Minister of Transport earlier stated 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.
Joseph Bukari Nikpe has now asserted that many stakeholders mostly the Okada Riders Association expressed fears over the 25-year age limit as many of their members are young riders.
In the draft Legislative Instrument (LI), the following will become mandatory for okada and tricycle operators:
Must be at least 25 years old (now 21 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, acting Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority Abraham Amaliba has stated the government had to maintain the age of 25 for commercial riding.
According to him, the age of 25 for commercial riding is the requirement stipulated in the Parent Act.
Abraham Amaliba however revealed that the DVLA is working in amending the Act from the age of 25 to 21.
