The government has formally submitted to Parliament a bill to legalise commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations, popularly known as Okada.

The bill was laid by the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe.

The proposed law seeks to amend the Road Traffic Act 2004 (Act 683) to provide for the use of motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles for commercial purposes.

It will also facilitate the development of standards for seat belts, safety gear, and other required equipment, as well as make provisions for related regulatory matters.

With the bill laid in Parliament, lawmakers are expected to debate and review the proposed amendments soon.

If passed, Ghana will repeal or modify relevant sections of the Road Traffic Act 2004 (Act 683) and L.I. 2180, legalising commercial motorcycle transport under a regulated, licenced framework.

The introduction of the Bill aligns with long-standing advocacy for the legalisation of okada, a position championed most prominently by President John Mahama.

During the 2020 election campaign, and reiterated in the lead-up to the 2024 polls, President Mahama pledged to legalise and regulate the okada industry if elected.

He argued that the sector had become a major source of youth employment and deserved government support rather than criminalisation.