Proposed legislation to peg okada riding age at 25

The Ministry of Transport is reviewing the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), aimed at introducing stricter licensing measures, including a minimum age requirement of 25 years for commercial riders.

When concluded, all persons looking to operate commercial motorcycles and tricycles, commonly called okada, will either be required to belong to a registered transport union or work for a licensed commercial operator.

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe announced the proposed changes during a national stakeholder engagement held in Accra on Monday, April 7, 2025. 

He emphasized that the new framework aims to improve monitoring, promote safer operations, and ensure that all commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators meet standardized competency requirements.

The stakeholder meeting brought together key groups including the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), okada rider associations, civil society organizations, and other transport sector players.

Key Provisions of the Draft Regulations

The new L.I. proposes that only individuals affiliated with licensed unions or companies will be allowed to operate commercial motorcycles or tricycles. Violators of this rule could face fines of up to 100 penalty units or imprisonment—or both.

Commercial operators must also meet certain criteria:

They must be registered under the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992).

They must have a presence in at least eight regions and maintain a fleet of no fewer than 50 vehicles in each.

Operators must adhere to an approved dress code, meet regulatory conditions, and renew their operational licenses annually.

The regulations also require unions to:

Maintain a digital registry of their members.

Conduct at least one retraining session annually for their riders.

Investigate breaches of the official Code of Conduct, with appropriate disciplinary action.

District assemblies will be empowered to grant permits to unions operating within their jurisdictions, subject to prescribed fees and compliance with conditions developed alongside the national regulator. They will also be responsible for designating official terminals and pick-up locations.

Rider Requirements

Prospective riders must:

Be at least 25 years old.

Hold a valid national ID card and commercial rider’s license issued by the DVLA.

Pass practical, oral, and theoretical riding assessments.

Complete a certified training program.

Additionally, all commercial riders must wear protective helmets with identifiable numbers and provide helmets for passengers as well. A distinctive yellow number plate with black lettering will be used to identify commercial motorcycles and tricycles.

Mr. Nikpe concluded the session by encouraging stakeholders to engage candidly and propose realistic measures to ensure that the final framework is practical, inclusive, and robust enough to withstand future challenges.