A look at the ‘Okada’ architecture under the new road traffic regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519)
I take this piece from a certain perspective, looking at the legal regime anticipated by the new Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (LI 2519), as well as sharing an opinion on what needs to be done further to ensure the effective and safe implementation of the commercial operation of Okada. Oftentimes, you hear people say we have so many laws. They suggest that this country is not short of laws, but…
The passage discusses the commercial use of Okada, or motorbikes, in Ghana under the new Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (LI 2519). The author argues that while the previous law, Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180), had sufficient provisions, a new law was necessary to deal with the changing times and trends in the commercial use of Okada.
Before LI 2519, there were no clear regulatory provisions for the commercial operation of motorbikes, which led to an unregulated use of motorbikes for fare-paying services throughout the country.
LI 2519 introduces several key provisions to regulate the commercial operation of motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles. Regulation 164 prohibits the use of these vehicles for commercial purposes without a valid commercial rider's license issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). Regulation 165 outlines the conditions for obtaining a commercial rider's license, which includes being at least 21 years old, having a valid National Identification Card, being a member of a commercial road transport organization, passing a medical examination, theory and practical tests, and an in-traffic test. Regulation 166 stipulates that rider's licenses must be renewed every two years.
Regulation 167 empowers the DVLA to suspend or revoke a commercial rider's license if the holder is convicted of reckless or dangerous riding, using the vehicle for unlawful activities, or fails to renew the license every two years. Regulations 168 to 170 focus on the registration of commercial motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles, ensuring they meet roadworthiness standards set by the DVLA and paying the prescribed registration fee.
Regulation 171 outlines safety measures for commercial vehicle operators, such as adhering to the maximum number of passengers allowed by the DVLA.
Furthermore, LI 2519 recognizes the importance of trade associations and unions in regulating the commercial Okada industry. Regulation 172 outlines the responsibilities of these organizations, while Regulation 173 specifies the responsibilities of commercial motorcycle, tricycle, and quadricycle owners. Regulation 174 details the specific responsibilities of commercial riders, including not riding without a valid license, wearing a crash helmet, and providing a crash helmet for pillion riders.
It also prohibits riding without a helmet, giving a child below the age of six a ride unless both the child and the adult pillion rider are wearing crash helmets, and running a red light at signaled intersections.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
