The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has sensitised commercial motorbike and tricycle operators in the Upper East Region on new regulations governing their operations.

The new regulations, Ghana’s Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (Legislative Instrument 2519), passed by Parliament in December 2025 and came into force in 2026, is part of efforts to improve road safety and reduce crashes.

The new LI also provides legal backing for the commercial use of motorcycles and tricycles in Ghana.

The sensitisation formed part of a six-month transition period to educate operators and other stakeholders on the requirements of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2519.

Mr Eric Anokye Fordjour, the Upper East Regional Head of the NRSA, said the new regulations would provide a structured framework for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations while improving the quality of service provided to passengers.

He noted that one of the key requirements was for every commercial operator to belong to a recognised union, which would enable the authorities and the unions to better supervise operators and ensure compliance.

Mr Fordjour added the regulations also placed strong emphasis on safety, particularly the mandatory use of crash helmets by commercial motorbike riders, citing the high incidence of motorcycle crashes and fatalities associated with non-use of helmets.

He said the Authority would intensify engagement with executives of the operators’ unions to ensure that education translated into compliance.

“We believe that with the intensified education, the compliance will follow,” he stated.

Mr Fordjour said the ultimate expectation was for the new measures to contribute to a reduction in road crashes and save lives.

Mr Prince David Orchill, Senior Finance Officer at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), announced that persons seeking to operate commercial motorcycles and tricycles must be at least 21 years old.

He said although a person could obtain a private driving licence at 18, a commercial licence could only be issued after attaining 21 years.

He urged parents and operators not to allow persons below the stipulated age to operate commercial motorcycles or tricycles, warning that doing so constituted a breach of the law.

Mr Orchill said applicants for commercial rider licences were also required to present their Ghana Card number and pass the requisite medical examinations, including physical and eye tests.

Mr Orchill said commercial vehicles would be required to undergo roadworthiness testing every six months, compared with the one-year interval applicable to private vehicles.

He cautioned operators that possessing a valid licence did not exempt them from complying with road safety regulations, explaining that licences could be revoked where an operator was found to have engaged in dangerous driving.

Mr Yakubu Ayamga, the Upper East Regional Chairman of the National Union of Tricycle Operators Ghana, welcomed the new regulations and pledged the union’s support for their implementation.

He said the lack of regularisation had previously allowed some operators to act without proper control, creating challenges for both authorities and other road users.

Mr Ayamga indicated that the new framework would bring the relevant authorities and operators together to streamline tricycle operations and promote discipline on the roads.

He pledged to extend the education to members of the union and urged operators to cooperate with passengers.