The government has signaled a major shift in transportation policy as it prepares to legalize and regulate commercial motorcycle operations, popularly known as Okada. The move forms part of a broader framework aimed at streamlining the sector and reducing the rising rate of road-related incidents.
This development comes just days after tricycle operators (Pragia riders) staged a protest in Kumasi, calling for official recognition and clear regulatory guidelines for their work.
According to Kelvin Caternor, Deputy Director for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the upcoming reforms are designed to professionalise the industry and prioritise safety for both riders and passengers.
Speaking at the Motor Riders Day Rally, an event hosted on Sunday, November 23, 2025, by the National Christian Men’s Forum in collaboration with 11 Christian men’s organisations, Mr. Caternor detailed the standards riders will need to meet under the new system.
He revealed that licensed commercial riders will undergo an oral test, theory test, and eye test, all intended to ensure that operators meet the required level of responsibility on the road. Each motorcycle will also be fitted with a unique registration plate to enhance identification and compliance.
Mr. Caternor added that mandatory helmets, each marked with a unique identification number for both rider and passenger, will form part of the regulatory framework. These measures, he explained, aim to bring structure to the Okada sector, boost accountability, and safeguard riders’ livelihoods.
The rally drew hundreds of riders and industry players, many of whom expressed optimism about how the reforms could elevate the future of commercial motorcycle transport in Ghana.
