Parliament passes ‘Okada Bill’
Parliament has passed the Road Traffic Amendment Bill, 2025, which seeks to legalise the commercial use of motorbikes, tricycles, and quadricycles, as part of efforts to create employment opportunities for the youth.
The bill was passed after completing all parliamentary processes, including first, second, and third readings, as well as the presentation of a report on the bill by the Committee on Roads and Transport.
It proposes a minimum riding age of 21 years, lower than the initially proposed 25 years, as the government moves to formally regulate the commercial motorbike, tricycle, and quadricycle sector that had previously operated outside the law.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the Ranking Member on the Committee on Roads and Transport and MP for Akim Swedru, Mr Kennedy Nyarko Osei, said the bill would help address lapses in the current safety regulatory framework.
“Currently, there are gaps in the safety regulatory framework, and this bill, once passed, will enable the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) to address critical safety issues,” Mr Osei said. “It will also allow the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to carry out its mandate without restraint or difficulty.”
The MP for Bia East, Mr Richard Acheampong, emphasised the need for dedicated road lanes for motorbikes and other road users to ease traffic congestion during peak hours. He also urged the Minister of Transport, Mr Joseph Bukari Nukpe, to ensure road safety to reduce crashes and fatalities.
The MP for Walewale, Dr Tiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama, highlighted environmental concerns, stating that the bill should address air pollution and other issues related to commercial motorbike operations. He also suggested that the minimum riding age of 21 years should be reviewed, noting that some individuals start earning a living at 20 years old.
“Once a person reaches maturity and can perform meaningful work, they should be allowed to operate commercial motorbikes and tricycles,” Dr Kabiru said.
The passage of the ‘Okada Bill’ marks a significant step in formalising the commercial motorbike sector in Ghana, creating job opportunities while seeking to improve road safety and traffic management.
BY BENJAMIN
ARCTON-TETTEY
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