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The Acting Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Abraham Amaliba, has outlined key measures to be implemented if Parliament approves the legalization of commercial motorcycle operations, commonly known as ‘Okada.’
A 13-member committee, set up by Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe, is currently reviewing Section 128 of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (L.I. 2180), which prohibits the use of motorcycles and tricycles for commercial purposes.
Speaking in an interview on TV3, Amaliba stated that once ‘Okada’ is legalized, riders will be required to wear specific uniforms and reflective gear for identification. Passengers will also be required to wear standardized helmets.
Additionally, all ‘Okada’ operators must register with recognized unions to improve oversight and accountability. This measure aims to make it easier to trace riders involved in illegal activities.
“We are not going to have individual Okada riders walking into offices to register their motorbikes. You must be with a union, and that union must have executives so that if you engage in any illegal activity, we can track you through your union,” Amaliba said.
To enhance road safety, the government also plans to introduce speed-limiting devices and tracking systems on motorcycles.
“There will be gadgets in their motors to prevent speeding, and each motorbike will have a tracker. Wherever the motorbike goes, there will be a computer monitoring its movement,” he emphasized.
The NRSA will collaborate with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to issue special number plates and licenses for ‘Okada’ riders, while the police will strictly enforce the new regulations.
The committee’s recommendations will be presented to Parliament soon, marking a significant step toward regulating ‘Okada’ operations in Ghana.
