Only 25 years with license can ride Okada

Only 25 years with license can ride Okada in Ghana now.

The government of Ghana is introducing new, stricter regulations for the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles popularly known as okada and pragyia to improve safety and accountability in the sector.

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According to the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, as part of the proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180), only persons aged 25 years and above will be allowed to operate commercial motorcycles or tricycles.

Additionally, riders must be employed by or registered with a licensed commercial motorcycle/tricycle union or company to be eligible.

The Minister announced this during a national stakeholder consultation in Accra on Monday, April 7, 2025.

The consultation marked the beginning of a nationwide process to revise the current legislative framework and officially regulate the thriving okada sector.

“Our utmost priority is the safety and welfare of the riders and passengers,” the Minister emphasized.

New Requirements for Riders

Under the draft Legislative Instrument (LI), the following will become mandatory for okada and tricycle operators:

Must be at least 25 years old
Must possess a valid national ID
Must have a commercial rider’s licence issued by the DVLA
Must pass a proficiency test (including oral, theory, and eye exams)
Must undergo training and be assigned a unique yellow licence plate
Must wear a certified protective helmet with a unique number
Must provide a helmet for passengers
Must obey all traffic laws and speed regulations
The law also includes strict penalties: riders who operate outside of licensed unions or companies could face a fine of 100 penalty units, imprisonment, or both.

Motorcycles and tricycles have increasingly become a key part of Ghana’s transport network, especially in areas where conventional vehicles struggle to operate. However, this rise in popularity has come with significant safety concerns.

” Mr. Nikpe noted.
The Transport Ministry is working with stakeholders, including the Ghana Police MTTD, GPRTU, okada rider associations, civil society groups, and other transport operators, to finalize the regulatory framework.

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