The Okada Riders Association of Ghana has pledged to enforce strict discipline among its members following Parliament’s passage of the Road Traffic Amendment Bill, 2025, which legalises commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations.

The Public Relations Officer of the association, Solomon Akpanaba, said the group is ready to address public concerns about indiscipline on the roads once the sector becomes fully regulated.

Speaking in an interview on December 12, Akpanaba admitted that failure by some riders to obey traffic lights and road regulations has been a major source of complaints from the public.

“It is a challenge to us. Once the system is regularised, we know these are the complaints Ghanaians have against us, and these are genuine complaints. We see them happening,” he said.

He explained that under the new law, rider unions will be central to enforcing discipline, with leaders empowered to sanction members who flout traffic regulations.

“We are very sure that if we are given the mandate to discipline them, as they are asked to work under unions, their leaders will make discipline their key mandate and ensure order among members,” Akpanaba stated.

He added that riders who consistently disobey the rules could face severe sanctions, including suspension or expulsion from their unions.

“Failure to adhere to the rules and regulations we give them could mean asking them to stay home, sacking them from the station, or removing them entirely from the union,” he said.

The Road Traffic Amendment Bill, 2025, is expected to enhance road safety, streamline road transport operations, and create employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. The law also introduces tighter regulations, including a revised alcohol concentration limit for drivers and stiffer penalties for traffic offenders.

Presenting the bill in Parliament, Transport Minister Joseph Nikpe Bukari said the reforms are aimed at sanitising road transport services and ensuring safer and more efficient use of roads across the country.