In fulfillment of a campaign promise by President Mahama, the Ministry of Transport has started official processes to regularise operations of motorcycles for commercial use.
Motorcycle transport for commercial purposes, otherwise known as ‘Okada’, has provided employment for thousands of young people although that mode of transport is yet to be commercialised.
To that effect, an Inter-Agency Committee – tasked with reviewing the Road Traffic Regulations 2012, L.I.2180 and specifically to consider the use of motorcycles and tricycles for fare-paying passenger services across the country – has been Inaugurated.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe said the Committee will work diligently to ensure that ‘Okada’ is ‘legalised’ with focus on safety and innovation.
The Committee’s task, he noted, will involve engagement through discussions, data gathering and analysing best practices to ensure amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations that address safety concerns while promoting economic benefits.
The 13-member Committee is made up of key institutions and law enforcement agencies – including the Transport Ministry, DVLA, MTTD, NRSA, Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment and Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
The Committee is expected to conclude its consultation with all stakeholders within a month and present reports to begin successful legal operation of commercial motorcycles. The proper commercialisation process is expected to begin within the second quarter of this year.
The use of motorcycles and tricycles for passenger carriage offers flexible and convenient services, particularly for last-mile journeys; helping passengers save time while travelling and providing access to transport in areas with limited public transport or poor connectivity.
In some areas, Okada has completely taken over traditional public transport services. The practice, however, is a contravention of the current road traffic regulations (LI 2180) … posing enforcement challenges and road safety concerns.
In Rwanda, ‘moto-taxis’ are a key part of the transportation system – particularly due to limited public transport options, their affordability and ability to navigate various road types. That country has integrated motor transport into its transportation mix, a sector which provides employment to more than a hundred thousand young people.
