The Ministry of Transport has set up a 13-member inter-agency committee to review the aspect of the Road Traffic Regulations 2021 (L.I. 2180) that prohibits the use of “okada” for commercial purposes in the country.
According to the Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the newly instituted committee is expected to complete its task within three weeks.
Mr. Bukari Nikpe clarified that this directive is part of crucial efforts by the Mahama government to legalise the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes.
Addressing the media after setting up the committee on Tuesday, March 18, Mr. Bukari Nikpe stated that the government hopes to allow the use of ‘okada’ for commercial purposes following the review of the law.
“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 noted.
As part of measures to make the Okada business more legal, the sector ministry has dedicated a site for the licensing of motorcycles for the riders.
The site, which is expected to run a 24-hour service, will kick off after the installation of the necessary infrastructure.
