Parliament has approved the Road Traffic Amendment Bill 2025, officially legalising the commercial use of motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles, a move the government says will sanitise the transport sector and enhance road safety.

The bill, passed on Wednesday, December 10, also revises Ghana’s legal alcohol limit for drivers and introduces tighter penalties aimed at reducing drunk-driving incidents.

Explaining the purpose of the amendment on the floor of Parliament, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Nikpe Bukari, said the changes are intended to bring order to a sector that has long operated with gaps in regulation.

“The Road Traffic Amendment Bill seeks to sanitise road transport services. We have had several issues involving road users, and this bill aims to introduce stricter punishment, enhance safety measures, and ensure the effective and efficient use of our roads,” he told MPs.

The newly passed legislation is expected to regularise the work of commercial riders — particularly the over one million motorcycle and tricycle operators who have operated informally for years.

The government believes the move will open up new employment avenues for young people while providing a clearer framework for licensing, training and enforcement.

The bill also raises the legal threshold for determining alcohol concentration in drivers.

Lawmakers say the adjustment is necessary to ensure realistic enforcement and prevent avoidable road crashes linked to drunk driving.

Road safety remains a pressing national concern. Ghana records an average of 2,000 road deaths annually, with motorcycles contributing significantly to fatalities in urban and peri-urban areas.

The Transport Ministry says the new regime will address these risks through proper rider training, compulsory protective gear and stricter penalties for offenders.

The amendment further aligns with broader road transport reforms expected in 2025, including improved safety standards, data-driven enforcement and enhanced collaboration between security agencies.

With the bill now passed, the Ministry of Transport is expected to begin issuing guidelines for commercial licensing and enforcement timelines in the coming weeks.