Okada riders to be given 25-year minimum age limit in proposed law

Okada Riders to Face New 25-Year Age Limit in Ghana

The government plans to set a minimum age of 25 for okada riders. This is part of new reforms in a legislative proposal. The rules will also apply to commercial tricycles.

The proposed law aims to amend the existing Road Traffic Regulations from 2012. It will prohibit riders who are not part of a recognized union.

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe announced these changes during a consultation in Accra on April 7, 2025. He emphasized the importance of safety for both riders and passengers.

New licensing regulations will help monitor commercial motorcycles and tricycles better. Key provisions include mandatory helmet use, periodic inspections, and rider training.

The consultation included representatives from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).

In June 2024, two okada riders tragically died during a funeral ceremony at Enyan Asempayin. They were performing stunts when they collided at high speed.