GENERAL NEWS

From 25 to 21 Years: Minister of Transport backtracks on ‘okada’ legal age limit

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.

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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