Okada Legalisation to Be Completed by End of 2026 – Transport Minister

Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has assured commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada riders, that the process to fully legalise their operations in Ghana will be completed by the end of 2026.

The Minister said the government remains committed to regularising commercial motorcycle operations as part of efforts to improve regulation, enhance road safety and create employment opportunities.

The government began the process of legalising okada operations in 2025, with the Ministry of Transport directing the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to commence preparations for the registration and licensing of commercial motorcycles.

Parliament subsequently passed the Road Traffic Amendment Bill, 2025, which provides the legal framework for the commercial use of motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles.

Mr Nikpe has now indicated that the remaining processes will be completed before the end of 2026, paving the way for a regulated commercial motorcycle transport sector.

The move is expected to bring operators into a formal regulatory framework, with requirements around licensing, registration and road safety.

The Transport Minister has previously argued that legalising okada would help reduce indiscipline on the roads by bringing commercial motorcycle operators under proper regulation.