Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Abraham Amaliba, has said that motorcycles, popularly known as okada, have become an established mode of transport in Ghana.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Law on Sunday, March 15, he emphasised that okada is here to stay, and a responsible government must regulate its operations rather than ignore it.

“Okada has become popular, and it is now a mode of transport, whether you like it or not. After your vehicles, your airplanes, Okada has now established itself. A wise government will regulate it so that it becomes safe," he said.

He highlighted that the new regulations aim to end unsafe riding practices, including zigzagging, and enforce helmet use. While dedicated lanes for motorcycles and tricycles will be included in the planning of new highways and urban roads, existing roads will largely maintain their current layout. Enforcement, he said, will ensure that dangerous practices are eliminated in the meantime.

He stressed that the government’s approach is practical and phased, balancing safety with existing road conditions: “For new roads, we will provide separate lanes for motorists. Meanwhile, we will enforce the law to stop zigzagging and other unsafe practices.”

The newly passed Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is popularly referred to as the Okada Law.

Once assented to by the President and gazetted, this law formally legalises the use of motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles for commercial passenger transport.

The law also updates the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), introducing new provisions on alcohol limits, vehicle safety standards, and regulations to ensure safer and more organised commercial transport on Ghana’s roads.