The Okada Riders Association has expressed strong opposition to the new regulatory framework setting the minimum age for riders at 25.
The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has proposed an amendment to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 LI 2180, to permit only persons aged 25 and above to operate commercial motorcycles and tricycles as part of the government’s plans to improve safety and accountability in the sector.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the Public Relations Officer, Solomon Akpanaba, stated that President John Mahama has personally reached out to him and explained that it is an existing law.
However, he questioned the rationale behind the decision, particularly since young adults in the same age group are already trusted with significant responsibilities.
“However, we are still not in support because an 18-year-old is a man. There are people in the same age group who are in the security agencies and driving motorcades, so how different are they from us?” he questioned.
Mr. Akpanaba vowed that the association will strongly oppose any attempt to pass the regulation into law.
The draft regulatory framework also proposes that a person is qualified to engage in commercial motorcycle or tricycle operations only if registered under the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992) as a limited liability company, partnership, union, society, cooperative, or similar association.
Operators must also adopt a standard dress code approved by the regulatory authority and meet other conditions prescribed by the DVLA and district assemblies.
Riders must obtain and renew a license every two years, while commercial motorcycle or tricycle unions must renew their licenses annually and comply with a code of conduct approved by the Minister.
Unions are also required to organize annual re-training or refresher courses for their riders in consultation with the regulatory authority, and all registered members must be enrolled on an electronic database.
