The Acting Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Mr Abraham Amaliba, has detailed several measures to be implemented by the government, to ensure the legalization and safety in ‘Okada’ operations.
He reinstated that, A 13-member committee, established by Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe, is currently reviewing Section 128 (1), (2), and (3) of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (L.I. 2180), which currently prohibits the commercial use of motorcycles and tricycles.
Mr. Amaliba emphasized that, after parliament legalize the okada business, riders would be mandated to wear specific uniforms and reflective gear for clear identification.
The NRSA plans to conduct comprehensive road safety education programs to promote responsible riding practices among various okada rides.
He further stressed that any rider found violating these regulations would face legal consequences.
The committee’s findings and recommendations will be presented to Parliament for consideration, marking a significant step toward integrating ‘Okada’ services into Ghana’s formal transportation sector
Mr. Amaliba said during an interview on TV3, said, “They [Okada riders] are going to be given uniforms to identify them, we will give them reflectors then, we will prescribe the type of element that they will be wearing then the people they pick will also wear the same helmet.
“The DVLA will give them special number plates and licensing. Then the police will enforce the law.”
The Acting Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority emphasized that, contingent upon the legalization of ‘Okada’ operations, riders will be mandated to affiliate with recognized unions prior to registration.
This requirement aims to facilitate the identification of riders and enhance regulatory oversight, thereby addressing safety and security concerns associated with commercial motorcycle operations.
“We are going to reset them in unions. We are not going to have individual okada riders walking to the offices to say I have a motorbike I want to register, no.
“You must be with a union and that union must have its executives so that when you engage in an illegality or a crime and we are looking for you, we will go to the union and we can fish you out. Things are going to change,” he said.
Abraham Amaliba disclosed that the government plans to implement speed-limiting devices and tracking systems on motorcycles.
“We are also going to provide them with speed limits. There will be gadgets in their motors which will stop them from speeding. Then also there will be a tracker in each motorbike.
“So as you move, wherever your motorbike is going, there is a computer monitoring you and your movement,” he emphasized.