Roads Act to be amended for okada legalization, Says NRSA Boss
Speaking on JoyNews' The Pulse on Monday, March 10, Mr. Amaliba revealed that a previous attempt to pass a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) for Okada legalization was withdrawn due to concerns about MPs using sirens.
The Chief Executive of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Abraham Amaliba, has confirmed ongoing efforts to amend the Roads Act to legalize commercial motorcycle transport, popularly known as "Okada."
Speaking on JoyNews' The Pulse on Monday, March 10, Mr. Amaliba revealed that a previous attempt to pass a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) for Okada legalization was withdrawn due to concerns about MPs using sirens.
However, he assured that a revised law is in the works and will soon be presented to Parliament for approval.
To ensure a well-structured implementation, a delegation recently visited Rwanda to study best practices in motorcycle transport regulation.
Mr. Amaliba noted that lessons from Rwanda’s model, including strict law enforcement, technology-driven monitoring, and mandatory safety gear, will inform Ghana’s approach.
He also announced plans to engage Okada rider associations, tricycle operators, and other stakeholders to discuss regulatory measures.
Addressing safety concerns, Mr. Amaliba urged the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service to enforce traffic laws rigorously. He highlighted Rwanda’s success in managing the industry through strong law enforcement, urging Ghana to adopt a similar approach.
He further stressed the importance of using technology, such as traffic cameras, to identify offenders and promote road safety. Additionally, he underscored the need for safety gear, stating that in Rwanda, both riders and passengers wear helmets and reflective jackets for easy identification.
The revised legislation, once approved, is expected to provide a legal framework for Okada operations while ensuring safety and compliance on Ghana’s roads.
