The Ministry of Transport has set up a 13-member committee to review the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (L.I. 2180), which currently bans motorcycles and tricycles from being used for commercial passenger services.
Tasked with exploring potential amendments, the committee will assess how these vehicles can be legally integrated into the transport system while prioritizing safety, inclusivity, and innovation.
With a three-week deadline, the team, comprising representatives from key agencies like the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Ghana Police Service, and the Attorney General’s Office, will conduct stakeholder consultations and submit recommendations.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe emphasized the need for a balanced approach that enhances economic opportunities without compromising road safety.
Acknowledging the growing reliance on motorcycles and tricycles—widely known as Okada, Pragya, Mahama can-do, Yellow Yellow, and Aboboya—he highlighted their role in bridging transport gaps, especially in underserved areas.
The review aims to address enforcement challenges while shaping regulations that reflect Ghana’s evolving transport landscape.
Okada refers to the commercial use of motorcycles for passenger transport. The term originated in Nigeria, named after Okada Air, a now-defunct local airline known for its speed, symbolizing how motorcycles swiftly navigate traffic.
The concept has since spread across West Africa, including Ghana, where similar motorcycle and tricycle services operate under different names like Pragya, Mahama Can-Do, Yellow Yellow, and Aboboya.
Relevance of Okada in Ghana
Okada plays a crucial role in Ghana’s transportation system, especially in urban and rural areas where public transport is limited. Its significance includes:
- Accessibility & Convenience – Okada provides transport in areas with poor road networks where taxis and buses cannot reach.
- Time-Saving – Motorcycles navigate through heavy traffic faster than cars, making them a preferred choice in congested cities.
- Employment & Livelihoods – Thousands of Ghanaians, especially youth, rely on Okada for income.
- Affordability – Okada is often a cheaper alternative for short-distance travel.
Challenges & controversy
Despite its benefits, Okada remains controversial due to concerns over road safety, law enforcement, and regulation.
The Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180) prohibit motorcycles from being used for commercial transport, citing risks such as accidents, crime facilitation, and lack of insurance coverage for passengers.
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