Okada age limit under review – NRSA boss backs reduction to 18

Abraham Amaliba is the Acting Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA). He discussed the legal age for commercial motorcycle riders in Ghana, known as Okada riders.

On Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, he explained the age restrictions. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is working to revise these rules.

Currently, the legal age to ride a motorbike is 18. However, for commercial purposes, it is set at 25. Amaliba believes this age limit is too high.

He noted that current regulations are based on a parent act. This act prevents subsidiary legislation from lowering the age requirement without an amendment.

Amaliba mentioned that they cannot set a lower age than what the Parent Act states. Therefore, they must keep it at 25 for now.

He acknowledged public concerns but emphasized their legal limitations. Change may be coming soon, though.

The DVLA plans to amend the minimum age from 25 to 21. However, NRSA cannot wait for this amendment before passing their law.

Amaliba stressed that changing laws outside proper channels would make them invalid. He explained that a lesser law cannot amend a higher law under the Parent Act.

He expressed his support for lowering the age requirement in line with international standards. He suggested adopting either 21 or 18 years as appropriate ages for riders and commercial drivers alike.