- Okada Riders Association opposes 25+ age limit for operators
- Transport Minister proposes changes to improve sector safety
- PRO Solomon Akpanaba questions age restriction, citing other young adult roles
The Okada Riders Association has strongly opposed the new regulatory proposal setting the minimum age for riders at 25.
The Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has suggested an amendment to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 LI 2180, which would allow only individuals aged 25 and above to operate commercial motorcycles and tricycles. This proposal is part of the government’s plan to enhance safety and accountability within the sector.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Solomon Akpanaba, shared that President John Mahama personally contacted him, explaining that the law already exists.
However, Akpanaba questioned the reasoning behind the new age restriction, pointing out that young adults in the same age group are already trusted with important roles, including serving in security forces and driving motorcades. “An 18-year-old is considered an adult. There are people in the same age group working in the security services and driving motorcades, so why are we being treated differently?” he asked.
He emphasized that the association would fiercely oppose any efforts to pass the regulation into law.
The proposed regulatory framework also includes additional conditions. It states that anyone wishing to operate a commercial motorcycle or tricycle must be registered under the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992) as a limited liability company, partnership, union, cooperative, or similar entity.
Operators would also need to follow a dress code approved by the regulatory authority and meet other requirements set by the DVLA and district assemblies. Riders would be required to obtain and renew their licenses every two years, while unions must renew theirs annually and adhere to a code of conduct approved by the Minister.
Furthermore, unions would be responsible for organizing annual re-training sessions for their members in partnership with the regulatory authority. All registered members would also need to be included in an electronic database.
