Commercial motorcycle transport services, popularly known as okada, could soon be legal in Ghana as the Government, through the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority(DVLA) works on a regulatory framework to license people to undertake the trade.
Okada services are already commonplace in the country, especially in Accra, where people patronise them mainly to escape traffic jams and for the purposes of delivering goods, yet their operations remain illegal.
This could soon be a thing of the past as the DVLA steps to be able to properly regulate its activities, according to Kelvin Caternor, the DVLA’s Deputy Director in charge of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation.
He stated that “the commercial rider who becomes licensed will be required to pass an oral test, a theory test, and an eye test – all of which will ensure he becomes a responsible road user.
He continued, “mandatory helmets—with unique identification numbers for both rider and passenger—will be required. These measures are designed to professionalise the activities of Okada riders, enhance accountability, and protect their livelihoods.”
The legalisation of okada has been a major campaign message of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its legalisation will help to ease transport in urban areas, especially when traffic jams remain a major challenge.
