Legalize ‘Okada’ Team Starts Work

The National Democratic Congress (NDC),  led-Government John Mahama, has initiated processes to legalise the operations of commercial motorbike riders, known locally as “Okada,” in fulfillment of the party’s campaign promise to Ghanaians.

To this extent, the Ministry of Transport has inaugurated a 13-member committee to review aspects of Ghana’s Road Traffic Regulations which currently prohibits ‘Okada.’

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe inaugurated the committee on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, and has given them three weeks to complete their work.

The Committee would be specifically focused on Section 128 (1), (2), and (3) of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (L.I. 2180) which makes the use of motorbikes as a commercial means of transportation illegal.

“We made a promise that we were going to mend the law that prohibits the use of motorcycles and tricycle for commercials purposes, so that is the portion of the law we are going to look at. We are going to review it and allow the use of motorcycle and tricycle to be allow to operate as a fee paying service in the transport industry,” Mr. Bukari Nikpestated in a media interview after inauguration.

“We want them to use motorcycles and tricycles for commercial purposes, and exactly that is what we’re doing. We are looking within a period of three weeks for them to do all the stakeholder consultations.

For them to bring all the ideas and suggestions that will facilitate the amendment of L.I 2180, so that we will get our young people who are desirous of using motorcycles and tricycles to earn a living to engage in that enterprise”, he added.

He urged the members to focus on safety, inclusivity, and innovation while assessing the possibility of legalizing and regulating commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations in Ghana.

The committee will engage with key stakeholders, gather relevant data, and analyze best practices from other countries. Their recommendations will guide amendments to the existing law and propose operational guidelines for the safe and efficient use of motorcycles and tricycles in commercial transport.

The Mahama government has prioritized this move as part of efforts to create employment opportunities, especially for young people who rely on motorcycles and tricycles for their livelihoods. Mr. Nikpe emphasized that legalizing ‘Okada’ could provide structured employment for many and improve urban mobility, provided safety measures are in place.

The use of motorcycles for commercial transport has remained a contentious issue in Ghana. While some see it as a fast and affordable means of transport, others raise concerns about road safety. Frequent accidents involving motorcycles and tricycles have led authorities to impose strict regulations against their commercial use. However, the increasing demand for affordable transportation, especially in urban areas, has renewed calls for legalization.

The committee’s findings could lead to a major shift in government policy on ‘Okada’ operations. If approved, the amendments will outline safety protocols, licensing procedures, and enforcement measures to ensure responsible riding.

The Transport Ministry remains committed to balancing economic opportunities with road safety concerns as it considers the future of commercial motorcycle and tricycle transport in Ghana.