Transport Minister Joseph Nikpe says the absence of dedicated traffic signs and signals for motor riders has been a major gap in the road safety system.

This situation, he said, the government now plans to fix following the legalisation of commercial motorcycle, otherwise known as Okada operations.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, December 22, the Minister said the transport sector requires constant improvement, especially in road safety infrastructure, to reflect changing realities on the roads.

“The transport sector needs improvement on a daily basis. We do not have dedicated traffic signs for motor riders,” Mr Nikpe said.

“But now that we have legalised their operations, going forward, we are going to see some changes, including the kind of traffic lights we will be installing at various points.”

He explained that the planned interventions will include new traffic signs and upgraded traffic lights specifically designed to improve safety for motor riders while protecting other road users.

Mr Nikpe stressed that the introduction of dedicated traffic signals must go hand in hand with stronger enforcement and discipline on the roads.

He pointed to neighbouring Togo as an example, noting that better road safety outcomes there are driven largely by enforcement rather than infrastructure alone.

“The difference is discipline and enforcement,” he said, adding that laws mean little without strict compliance.

The Transport Minister called for closer collaboration among the Ministries of Transport, Local Government, Interior, and Roads and Highways to ensure traffic regulations are enforced effectively.

He indicated that tougher sanctions, including the seizure of vehicles and withdrawal of drivers’ licences, will be applied to offenders as part of efforts to instil discipline.

According to Mr Nikpe, the combined measures, anchored by the introduction of dedicated traffic signs and signals for motor riders, are aimed at reducing accidents and creating a safer road environment as Ghana’s transport sector undergoes reforms.