The government has taken steps towards legalizing the use of motorcycles, popularly known as ‘Okada,’ for commercial purposes.
The Ministry of Transport has established a 13-member inter-agency committee to review the Road Traffic Regulations 2021 (L.I. 2180), which currently prohibits the use of okada for commercial purposes.
According to the minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the committee’s primary objective is to facilitate the amendment of L.I 2180, allowing okada operators to earn a living through their trade.
“We want them to use motorcycles and tricycles for commercial purposes, and exactly that is what we’re doing,” Bukari Nikpe explained in a media interview after inaugurating the committee.
The minister emphasized that the government aims to complete the review process within three weeks, ensuring that the necessary stakeholder consultations are conducted to inform the amendment of the law.
“For them to bring all the ideas and suggestions that will facilitate the amendment of L.I 2180, so that we will get our young people who are desirous of using motorcycles and tricycles to earn a living to engage in that enterprise,” he added.
This development is part of the Mahama government’s efforts to create economic opportunities for young people in Ghana.
By legalizing commercial okada operations, the government hopes to provide a legitimate source of income for thousands of riders across the country.
The move is expected to have a significant impact on the livelihoods of many young Ghanaians, who have been relying on okada as a means of survival.
