The National Union of Tricycles Operators Ghana of Ghana has welcomed the government of Ghana’s new stricter regulations for the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles—popularly known as okada and pragyia—to improve safety and accountability in the sector.
According to the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, as part of the proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180), only persons aged 25 years and above will be allowed to operate commercial motorcycles or tricycles.
Additionally, riders must be employed by or registered with a licensed commercial motorcycle/tricycle union or company to be eligible.
The Minister announced this during a national stakeholder consultation in Accra on Monday, April 7, 2025.
Reacting to this development, the National Chairman of the Association Mr. Hafiz Hamza noted that this consultation marked the beginning of a nationwide process to revise the current legislative framework and officially regulate the thriving okada sector.
He noted that the age restriction which is 25year and above is meant to encourage proper regulation of the Okada business.
However, some Okada Riders who spoke to the media appeal to the amend the part of the regulation which says only persons above 25years can ride the Okada for commercial business.
They said they want the age restriction to be reduced to either 20 or 22 years since many young people now depend on the Okada business for their survival.