Solomon Akpanaba the PRO of the Okada Riders Association is calling on President Mahama to reverse the new Okada law which stipulates that only individuals aged 25 and above can operate, or else they will demonstrate.
The government of Ghana is introducing new, stricter regulations for the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles—popularly known as okada and Pragya—to improve safety and accountability in the sector.
According to the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, as part of the proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180), only persons aged 25 years and above will be allowed to operate commercial motorcycles or tricycles.
Additionally, riders must be employed by or registered with a licensed commercial motorcycle/tricycle union or company to be eligible.
The Minister announced this during a national stakeholder consultation in Accra on Monday, April 7, 2025.
The consultatbegang of a nationwide process to revise the current legislative framework and officially regulate the thriving okada sector.
New Requirements for Riders
Under the draft Legislative Instrument (LI), the following will become mandatory for okada and tricycle operators:
o Must be at least 25 years old
o Must possess a valid national ID
o Must have a commercial rider’s license issued by the DVLA
o Must pass a proficiency test (including oral, theory, and eye exams)
o Must undergo training and be assigned a unique yellow license plate
o Must wear a certified protective helmet with a unique number
o Must provide a helmet for passengers
o Must obey all traffic laws and speed regulations
The law also includes strict penalties: riders who operate outside of licensed unions or companies could face a fine of 100 penalty units, imprisonment, or both.
Motorcycles and tricycles have increasingly become a key part of Ghana’s transport network, especially in areas where conventional vehicles struggle to operate. However, this rise in popularity has come with significant safety concerns.
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