According to the minister, the change was necessitated by public concerns over the initially proposed age limit of 25 years, Graphic.com.gh reports.
He stated that he has prepared a memo for Cabinet approval to officially revise the legal age limit from 25 to 21 years.
On April 7, 2025, during a national stakeholder consultation in Accra, Bukari Nikpe outlined a set of new, stricter regulations governing the operation of ‘okada’ and ‘pragyia’.
The initial proposal included setting the minimum legal age at 25 years, aligning it with the age requirement for commercial bus and taxi drivers.
It also introduced the issuance of commercial riders’ licences to qualified ‘okada’ and ‘pragyia’ operators, as well as a requirement to pass a proficiency test comprising oral, theoretical, and eye examinations.
Below are the initial proposed amendments under the draft Legislative Instrument (LI):
• Must be at least 25 years old
• Must possess a valid national ID
• Must hold a commercial rider’s licence issued by the DVLA
• Must pass a proficiency test (oral, theoretical, and eye exams)
• Must undergo training and be assigned a unique yellow licence plate
• Must wear a certified protective helmet with a unique number
• Must provide a helmet for passengers
• Must comply with all traffic laws and speed regulations
Additionally, the proposal outlines strict penalties: riders operating outside of licensed unions or companies could face a fine of 100 penalty units, imprisonment, or both.
