Okada Riders To Be Given 25-Year Age Minimum Limit In New Law

• The government is set to finalise proposals for a 25-year minimum age limit for the use of okadas and tricycles
• The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, also said the government will introduce a new licensing regime
• The proposed changes to road traffic laws were outlined at a national stakeholder consultation in Accra on April 7, 2025

The government is proposing a 25-year minimum age limit for the use of commercial motorbikes, also okadas as part of proposed reforms in a new legislative instrument being drafted.

The new rules will also apply to commercial tricycles.

The new legislation is being drafted to amend the existing one, Road Traffic Regulations, 2012.

The new law will also prohibit riders who do not belong to a recognised union.

The proposed changes were outlined at a national stakeholder consultation in Accra on April 7, 2025.

The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, said the government was also introducing a new licensing regime to enhance the monitoring of commercial motorcycles and tricycles.

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“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."

The stakeholder consultation featured representatives from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the association of okada riders.

Proposed requirements for okada riders

3News reported that under the law, the following will become mandatory for okada and tricycle operators.

• Must be at least 25 years old
• Must possess a valid national ID
• Must have a commercial rider’s licence issued by the DVLA
• Must pass a proficiency test
• 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

Mahama's pledge to okada riders

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When campaigning to be president, President John Mahama promised to regularise the operations of okada riders.

Mahama also promised to introduce electric motorbikes into the okada space.

He argued in favour of using electric bikes because they consume less power and are better options when compared to fuel.

While okadas have operated freely despite their illegal status, there have been instances where police crackdown on their operations.

Okada riders in a head-on collision

YEN.com.gh reported that two okada riders died in a tragic accident during a colleague's funeral ceremony at Enyan Asempayin in the Ajumako Anyan Essiam District in June 2024.

The duo had joined other motorbike riders to pull daring stunts at the ceremony in honour of their departed colleague.

Unfortunately, the two rammed into each other at top speed and died on the spot.

Source: YEN.com.gh