Bill to legalize Okada operations approved – Transport Minister

The Minister for Transport, Joseph Nikpe Bukari, has announced that the Cabinet has approved the amended Road Traffic Regulations Bill.

The Bill, which seeks to legalise commercial motorbike transport services (popularly known as Okada), will be laid before Parliament when the House reconvenes.

“I believe that by the end of the year, once the law is amended, this (Okada passenger business) will take effect,” he said in a radio interview with Accra-based Citi FM on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

Explaining details of the proposed law, the Minister said an ordinary motorbike licence would not qualify anyone to transport passengers commercially.

“Once you get your licence to operate, you belong to a union. The union will then play a role in training you with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and certifying that you are qualified to carry passengers,” he explained.

The Bill also lowers the minimum age requirement for Okada riders from 25 to 21. Mr Bukari stressed that both riders and their motorbikes would have to meet safety and roadworthiness standards before operating.

“The bike you are using has to be roadworthy. This is not about holding an ordinary motorbike licence. You are going to be licensed specifically as a rider to take passengers,” he said.

He added that Ghana had studied regulatory approaches in countries such as Rwanda and intended to adopt lessons to ensure effective monitoring and enforcement.

“We are not going to allow people who hold only an ordinary licence for riding a motorbike. If you are going to carry passengers, you will need a licence for carrying passengers,” he emphasised.

Mr Bukari explained that the DVLA and transport unions would jointly oversee training, testing and certification.

“The unions will take responsibility, working with DVLA, to train them, certify them, and make sure they have the appropriate licence,” he said.

He clarified that the licensing process would involve more than documentation.

“Before you are given a licence, you must meet the requirements. You must have a helmet, you must wear protective gear, and your bike will be inspected to ensure it is fit for use,” he stated.

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The Minister described the initiative as part of broader reforms to instill discipline in the transport sector. He said regulating Okada operations would provide a solution to short-distance commuting within longer journeys.

“I see the operationalisation of okada as a solution for the last mile,” he said, adding, “The indiscipline on our roads is not only from motorbike riders. Even drivers themselves.”