The National Union of Tricycle Operators Ghana has endorsed the government’s proposed amendment to the Road Traffic Regulations, which seeks to tighten control over the commercial use of motorcycles (okada) and tricycles (pragyia).
Under the new proposal, only individuals aged 25 years and above will be allowed to operate commercial motorcycles and tricycles. The move, according to Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe, is part of a broader effort to improve safety, accountability, and professionalism in the sector.
The proposed changes were announced at a national stakeholder consultation held in Accra on Monday, April 7, 2025.
In addition to the age requirement, all riders must be either employed by or registered with a licensed motorcycle/tricycle union or company before they can operate commercially.
Reacting to the proposal, National Chairman of the Union, Mr. Hafiz Hamza, told Atinka News the initiative marks an important step toward formalizing and sanitizing the okada industry. He emphasized that the age restriction is intended to promote maturity and discipline among commercial riders.
However, some okada riders have appealed for a reconsideration of the age limit. Speaking to Atinka News, several riders argued that many young people under the age of 25 depend on okada operations as their main source of livelihood. They urged government to consider lowering the age requirement to 20 or 22 years to accommodate the youth who have embraced the trade out of necessity.
The proposed regulations are still under consultation, and the Ministry of Transport has indicated it will continue to engage stakeholders before final decisions are made.
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