A 13-member inter-agency committee has been tasked to review the Road Traffic Regulations 2021 (L.I. 2180), specifically the aspect that prohibits the commercial use of motorcycles, popularly known as okada.
The committee’s findings are expected to pave the way for the legalization of okada operations in Ghana.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe inaugurated the committee, charging them to complete their work within three weeks.
“We want them to use motorcycles and tricycles for commercial purposes, and exactly that is what we’re doing,” the minister explained.
He added, “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.”
The move is seen as a significant step towards formalizing the okada industry, which has been operating informally for years.
The government’s decision is expected to bring relief to thousands of okada riders who have been operating outside the law.