BY Issah Olegor
In a historic move that marks a turning point in the transport sector, Parliament has passed the Road Traffic Amendment Bill 2025, effectively legalising the commercial use of motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles—commonly known as Okada.
The decision ends years of controversy and public debate over whether the popular but previously outlawed mode of transport should be recognised and regulated.
The passage of the bill fulfils a long-standing promise by President John Dramani Mahama, who has consistently advocated for the formalisation of the Okada industry.
His position became a central policy highlight during both the 2020 and 2024 election campaigns, where he argued that commercial motor transport served as a vital source of employment for thousands of young people nationwide.
A Decade-Long Debate
The debate over Okada dates back more than a decade when authorities first moved to clamp down on motorcycle commercialisation over safety concerns, rising accident rates, and the absence of proper regulation.
Under the original Road Traffic Act 2004 (Act 683) and L.I. 2180, the commercial use of motorcycles was expressly prohibited.
This led to years of cat-and-mouse enforcement between police and riders, many of whom continued to operate due to limited job opportunities and the growing public demand for fast, accessible transport, especially in congested urban centres.
Calls for legalisation intensified as operators complained of harassment, inconsistent enforcement, and the lack of a clear regulatory framework.
What the New Bill Changes
The newly approved Road Traffic Amendment Bill 2025 introduces sweeping reforms that not only legalise Okada but also impose strict conditions to enhance safety and accountability across the transport sector.
Key provisions include:
Full legalisation of motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles for commercial transport under a licensing regime.
Revised alcohol concentration limits for drivers, aimed at reducing drunk-driving incidents and strengthening enforcement.
Enhanced safety requirements, including mandatory protective gear and equipment standards.
Stricter penalties for road traffic offenders to deter reckless behaviour and ensure discipline on the roads.
According to policymakers, the bill is designed to bring order to an industry that has operated informally for years, while also improving overall road safety.
Government’s Position
Addressing Parliament on Wednesday, December 10, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Nikpe Bukari, said the legislation marks a major milestone in the government’s efforts to restructure the transport sector and protect road users.
“The Road Traffic Amendment Bill seeks to sanitise road transport services. We have had several issues involving road users, and this bill aims to introduce stricter punishment, enhance safety measures, and ensure the effective and efficient use of our roads,” he said.
He emphasised that the law is not simply about legalising Okada, but about instituting a comprehensive framework that keeps passengers, riders, and other road users safe.
