The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has initiated the process to legalize the commercial use of motorbikes, popularly known as Okada, in Ghana. This move follows the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) 2024 election manifesto promise to legitimize Okada operations.

On his first day in office, Mr. Nikpe directed the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to start registering and licensing motorbikes for commercial use. He emphasized that this initiative aims to ensure motorbike riders adhere to road safety regulations, reducing crashes and fatalities.

The legalization process requires a revision of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I 2180), which currently prohibits the commercial use of motorbikes. Mr. Nikpe assured that significant progress would be made by the end of the first quarter of this year.

In addition to the Okada legalization, the Transport Minister outlined plans to improve service delivery at the DVLA, eliminate middlemen, and enhance technology to benefit the public. He also addressed staff welfare concerns, promising to settle unpaid salaries and improve working conditions.

To ease pressure on roads, Mr. Nikpe intends to decongest the transport sector by developing rails, air transport, and ports. He emphasized the need for coordination among the 15 agencies under the Transport Ministry to achieve this goal.

The minister’s visit to the DVLA and other agencies marked the beginning of his efforts to transform Ghana’s transport sector. As he stated, “We need a transport sector that befits the people of Ghana. We must put aside party politics and work hard to build the Ghana that we want.”