Upper East: NRSA sensitises commercial motorbike, tricycle riders on new regulations

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has recently educated commercial motorbike and tricycle operators in Ghana's Upper East Region about new regulations that came into effect in 2026. The regulations, known as Ghana’s Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (Legislative Instrument 2519), aim to enhance road safety and decrease accidents.

Eric Anokye Fordjour, the Upper East Regional Head of NRSA, explained that the new laws establish a structured framework for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations and improve passenger services. One key requirement is that every commercial operator must join a recognized union to facilitate better supervision and compliance monitoring.

The rules also focus heavily on safety, particularly mandating the use of crash helmets for commercial motorbike riders. NRSA intends to enhance communication with union executives to ensure that education leads to compliance. Mr. Fordjour hopes these measures will help reduce road crashes and save lives.

Prince David Orchill, a Senior Finance Officer at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), clarified that commercial motorbike and tricycle operators must be at least 21 years old to obtain a commercial licence. Applicants must present their Ghana Card number and pass medical examinations, including physical and eye tests. Orchill emphasized that commercial vehicles will be inspected for roadworthiness every six months, as opposed to the yearly check for private vehicles.

Yakubu Ayamga, the Upper East Regional Chairman of the National Union of Tricycle Operators Ghana, welcomed the new regulations, emphasizing that the previous lack of regulation allowed some operators to operate without proper control. He pledged the union's support for implementing the new framework, which aims to streamline tricycle operations and promote discipline on the roads. Ayamga urged operators to cooperate with passengers to ensure compliance with the new regulations.