They take GH¢100, sometimes GH¢200 – Okada riders allege police extortion in Accra

Commercial motorcycle drivers, commonly referred to as Okada riders, in the Ghanaian capital of Accra have expressed their grievances over alleged extortion by officers from the Motor Traffic and Transport Directorate (MTTD) during traffic enforcement operations. These riders allege that they are occasionally asked for money without being given clear reasons for the purported traffic violations.

One Okada rider, interviewed by Citi News, stated that officers involved in these operations sometimes demand amounts ranging from GH¢100 to GH¢200. Traffic regulations in Ghana are outlined in the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026, L.I. 2519, which detail offenses and penalties for drivers, vehicle owners, commercial transport operators, motorcycle and tricycle riders, passengers, and pedestrians.

These offenses include driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, running red lights, using mobile phones while driving, and not using the required safety equipment. However, the Okada riders claim that the enforcement of these laws has, in some cases, turned into a form of abuse and extortion. They argue that after being stopped or detained, they are frequently given scant information about the alleged offense.

Some also claim that they are asked for payments at police stations before their motorcycles are returned. These riders explain that such payments can significantly impact their livelihoods, as their motorcycles serve as their primary source of income. Consequently, they are advocating for traffic enforcement to be carried out fairly and transparently.

These concerns emerge amidst broader investigations into alleged bribery involving police officers. According to data released by the Ghana Statistical Service in August 2026, the Motor Traffic and Transport Directorate had the highest bribery interaction rate among police units, at 54.6 percent. This issue has also been addressed through recent disciplinary actions by the Ghana Police Service.

Seven officers in Accra were suspended after it was reported that they stopped a citizen, demanded an illegal payment, and forced the victim to withdraw money from an ATM. Anti-corruption advocate Bright Ofori suggests that stronger measures are needed to enhance accountability in traffic enforcement. "The police should enhance its disciplinary systems and utilize bodycams, as other nations have implemented," Ofori stated.

The Ghana Police Service has also implemented the TraffiTech-GH, an automated traffic law enforcement system designed to digitally monitor roads and assist in the enforcement of traffic regulations. The system aims to lessen reliance on manual enforcement and improve transparency in the handling of traffic offenses. For the Okada riders, the primary concern remains how traffic laws are enforced.

They stress the need for officers to be held accountable while ensuring that riders are treated fairly during police operations.