The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has attributed the high incidence of motorcycle-related accidents in the country to the absence of a legal framework governing their commercial use.

According to Mr Nikpe, the illegality surrounding commercial motorcycle operations forced riders to operate under constant fear of arrest, often compelling them to speed in order to evade law enforcement, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, December 22, the Minister explained that the lack of regulation created a chaotic operating environment for riders.

“Because there was no legal framework, the activity was illegal, and riders had to move in a fast manner to avoid the police, which made accidents more likely,” he said.

His remarks follow Parliament’s passage of the Road Traffic Amendment Bill, 2025, which legalises the commercial use of motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles across the country.

Mr Nikpe said the new law is expected to introduce order into the sector by setting clear operational guidelines, improving safety standards and reducing accidents linked to reckless riding driven by fear of enforcement.