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The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has officially directed the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to begin the registration and licensing of motorbikes for commercial use, marking the start of the long-awaited Okada legalization process.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with top DVLA officials, Mr. Nikpe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling its campaign pledge to regulate the Okada sector. “We are committed to seeing to it that there is a revision of the law to allow Okada riders to operate commercially,” he stated.
The move is expected to help enforce road safety regulations and reduce accidents involving motorbikes. The minister emphasized that riders will undergo proper training and licensing to ensure safer transportation. “We want to ensure that our brothers in the Okada business will have their own licenses and be well trained to transport passengers on our roads,” he added.
Legal Hurdles and Policy Review
The legalization process will require a review of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I 2180), which currently prohibits the use of motorbikes for commercial passenger services. Although this law has been in place since 2012, enforcement has been weak, allowing unregulated commercial Okada operations to flourish across the country.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) had pledged to legalize Okada during the 2024 election campaign, arguing that the industry provides employment for many Ghanaians. The government’s decision to act on this promise signals a shift in transport policy.
Wider Transport Sector Reforms
During his first day in office, Mr. Nikpe also outlined broader plans to improve the transport sector. He pledged to decongest roads by enhancing the railway, air transport, and port sectors to reduce reliance on road transport.
Additionally, he assured transport workers that their welfare remains a top priority, vowing to resolve outstanding salary arrears. “There is a correlation between good working conditions and service delivery, and that will be my focus,” he told staff at a durbar.
The minister also called for greater transparency at the DVLA, urging the agency to eliminate “goro boys” (middlemen) and adopt digital solutions to streamline services.
With the Okada legalization process now in motion, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the government navigates the regulatory and safety challenges ahead.
