The Ministry of Transport is taking decisive steps to introduce a comprehensive regulatory framework for commercial motorcycles and tricycles, popularly known as okada, in Ghana.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe disclosed that the Ministry has initiated processes to amend both the Road Traffic Act 2004 (Act 683) and the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (LI 2180) to accommodate the operation of motorcycles and tricycles for fare-paying passengers.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series press briefing at the Presidency in Accra, Mr. Nikpe stressed the importance of okada in the transport sector. Motorcycles and tricycles, commonly known as Okada, are vital for transportation systems. However, current regulations ban their use, creating enforcement and safety challenges,” he explained.
According to him, stakeholder consultations have been completed, and Cabinet has approved the proposed amendments, which will be laid before Parliament when it resumes. The move, he noted, is part of the government’s broader agenda to ensure safer, regulated, and efficient transport systems across the country.
On the issue of public transport fares, Mr. Nikpe announced that the government successfully negotiated with transport operators for a 15 per cent reduction in fares, effective May 24. He said this decision was influenced by improvements in the macroeconomic environment, particularly falling fuel prices.
The Minister emphasized that the fare reduction, described as the most significant since 2015, was aimed at easing the financial burden on commuters while ensuring that transport operators remained stable and operational.
