The Transport Ministry has rolled out new guidelines for those interested in the commercial motorcycle or tricycle business, commonly referred to as the ‘Okada’.
Mr. Joseph Nikpe Bukari, the Minister of Transport, stated that individuals wishing to operate ‘Okada’ must either belong to an approved tricycle transport union or work for a licensed commercial motorcycle company.
The updated regulations, which form a part of a new Legislative Instrument (LI) being prepared to amend the current Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (Legislative Instrument 2180), aim to restrict operations to those affiliated with recognized unions. Additionally, riders are required to be at least 25 years old.
During a national stakeholder consultation held in Accra on Monday, April 7, 2025, Minister Bukari emphasised the introduction of a new licensing system designed to improve oversight of commercial motorcycles and tricycles while ensuring that operators meet established competency standards.
“Our utmost priority is the safety and welfare of the riders and passengers.
“Therefore, some provisions in the regulations will cover the mandatory use of helmets, periodic inspections and rider training,” Mr Nikpe said at the meeting.
The consultative meeting was the first of a nationwide consultation to review LI 2180 to pave the way for the official operationalisation of okada, a lucrative business among the youth.
It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), the association of okada riders, as well as heads of relevant agencies and departments, industry practitioners, civil society organisations, and transport operators.
“A person shall not ride or operate a commercial motorcycle or tricycle unless that person is employed by or belongs to a licensed commercial motorcycle or tricycle transport union,” the new provisions propose.
Anyone who disregards the provision once it becomes law by operating “a motorcycle or tricycle for fare-paying passenger services in contravention of sub-regulation (1) commits an offence and is liable to pay a fine of 100 penalty units or to a term of imprisonment or both”.
