The government of Ghana is set to introduce a new licensing regime to enhance the monitoring of commercial motorcycles and tricycles. This initiative aims to ensure operators meet the required competency and safety standards.
The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, announced this while discussing a draft LI 2180 during a national stakeholder consultation held in Accra on Monday, April 7, 2025.
The new policy stipulates that individuals intending to operate commercial motorcycles or tricycles, popularly known as ‘okada,’ must either belong to a recognized tricycle transport union or be employed by a licensed commercial motorcycle company.
Anyone found violating this provision once it becomes law—by operating “a motorcycle or tricycle for fare-paying passenger services in contravention of sub-regulation (1)”—will commit an offense and be liable to a fine of 100 penalty units, a term of imprisonment, or both.
Additional provisions require riders to have a valid commercial rider’s license issued by the DVLA. Applicants must be at least 25 years old and possess a valid National Identification Card. Riders must also pass various tests, including commercial motorcycle/tricycle riding proficiency, oral, theoretical, and eye tests. Moreover, they must be registered with a distinctive yellow license plate bearing black lettering, wear certified protective helmets with unique numbers, and comply with traffic laws and speed limits.
“Our utmost priority is the safety and welfare of riders and passengers. Therefore, certain provisions within the regulations will mandate the use of helmets, periodic inspections, and rider training,” Mr. Nikpe emphasized during the meeting.
Since the introduction of okada and tricycles in Ghana, riders as young as 15 years old are often seen operating these vehicles, particularly tricycles, which pose significant risks. This proposal arises amidst a public outcry advocating for the abolition of such practices to ensure the safety of young individuals.
The consultation was attended by 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, civil society organizations, and transport operators.
