The Ministry of Transport has begun revising the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180) to create a framework for the use of motorcycles and tricycles in commercial passenger services. Under the proposed changes, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) will issue commercial licenses to riders, with mandatory training as a key requirement.
Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, in a speech delivered on his behalf at the DVLA’s mid-year review conference in Ejisu, stressed the need for operational modalities that prioritise discipline, road safety and efficiency. The conference, themed:“Resetting DVLA for an efficient and Effective 24-hour operation”, also reflected government’s commitment to the 24-hour economy policy.
Mr. Joseph Nikpe urged the DVLA to align Ghana’s road safety standards with global conventions, such as the 1949 and 1968 Conventions on Road Traffic. The reforms are expected to formalise the use of motorcycles and tricycles for transport, creating job opportunities while enhancing safety. However, stakeholders caution that the safety of passengers and strict adherence to traffic regulations must be central to the new framework.
The debate over legalising commercial motorcycles, popularly known as ‘Okada’, has once again resurfaced with the Ministry of Transport’s decision to revise the Road Traffic Regulations to accommodate their use. This is not a new conversation. Former President John Dramani Mahama, during his 2020 election campaign, boldly declared his intention to legalise and regulate the Okada business. Many hailed the idea as progressive, recognising that Okada had already become a significant source of employment for thousands of young people across the country.
Yet, while the promise generated excitement, it also raised concerns about safety. Now, with government taking concrete steps to regulate Okada, it is crucial to strike a careful balance between job creation and public safety.
The truth is that Okada riders have, for some time now, become a major nuisance on our roads. They are notorious for disregarding traffic regulations, riding without helmets, carrying multiple passengers and weaving dangerously through traffic. Their recklessness has caused countless accidents, leaving many families in grief and burdening our already strained health system. Legalisation without firm regulation would only worsen the chaos.
This is why the ongoing review of the law must not only focus on licensing and training but also on enforcement. Training riders is a commendable step, but if the police and DVLA lack the commitment and resources to ensure compliance, the exercise will be futile. Ghana has seen too many well-crafted policies that fail at implementation.
Moreover, government must consider whether our road infrastructure is even prepared for such an expansion. Poorly designed roads and lack of dedicated lanes make the mix of motorcycles, cars, and heavy trucks a recipe for disaster. If Okada is to be legalised, it must go hand in hand with road safety campaigns, strict penalties for offenders and infrastructure planning that accommodates all road users.
The Okada debate should not be reduced to political promises or populist gestures. It is a matter of life and death. While the business provides livelihoods, lives cannot be sacrificed for income. As we move forward with these revisions, government must put safety first, discipline second, and enforcement third. Anything short of this will only legalise lawlessness.
