Members of the Okada Riders Association of Ghana (ORAG) and the National Union of Tricycle Operators Ghana (NUTOG) have taken to the streets to demand the legalisation of commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations in Ghana.

The protesters say the government has failed to fulfil its commitment to establish a legal framework for commercial motorcycle operations despite assurances that the sector would be legalised.

The demonstration, held on Wednesday, August 12, is intended to renew pressure on the government to act on the issue, which has remained a major concern for commercial motorcycle riders.

Speaking during the demonstration, one of the riders said members of the association supported the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 general elections because of its promise to legalise commercial motorcycle operations.

“We belong to the Okada Riders Association. We worked hard to help the NDC. Why did we work for them? The reason we worked for them is that they promised that if they came into power, they would legalise okada, commercial motorcycle operations, for us. That is the issue,” he said.

The rider said the continued absence of a legal framework had left operators vulnerable to restrictions and what he described as frequent harassment by the police.

According to him, riders are prevented from operating in several parts of Accra.

The protesters also expressed frustration over what they described as government's failure to address the concerns of a group that actively supported the NDC's campaign.

“Because legalisation hasn’t happened yet, the police are harassing us everywhere. Wherever you go, the police are targeting us. If you go to Kaneshie, you can’t operate. Sukura, you can’t go. Now they have started in Central as well. Jamestown is the same,” he stated.

The riders said members made financial and other sacrifices during the 2024 election campaign based on the expectation that their operations would be legalised if the party won power.

“We are a party that has sacrificed for you. We even bought clothes to campaign for the NDC. So why is it that after winning power, you won’t legalise okada for us?” he added.

The demonstration brings renewed attention to the long-running debate over commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations in Ghana.

While supporters of legalisation argue that formalising the sector could create a regulatory framework for operators and improve their contribution to the economy, concerns have also been raised over road safety, enforcement and the regulation of commercial transport.

The riders are demanding that government move beyond its assurances and take concrete steps towards legalising their operations.