The Ministry of Transport has begun steps to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for commercial motorcycles and tricycles, popularly known as okada, across Ghana.

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe announced that the Ministry is working to amend the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683) and the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180) to legalize and properly regulate the use of motorcycles and tricycles for fare-paying services.

“Motorcycles and tricycles are vital to our transport system. However, the existing ban on their commercial use has created enforcement and safety challenges,” Mr. Nikpe said at the Government Accountability Series press briefing at the Presidency in Accra.

He noted that extensive stakeholder consultations had been completed, and Cabinet had approved the proposed legal amendments, which will soon be submitted to Parliament for consideration.

On transport fares, the Minister revealed that government had secured an agreement with operators for a 15 percent reduction in fares to ease the financial burden on commuters. The adjustment, effective May 24, reflects recent improvements in Ghana’s macroeconomic conditions, including lower fuel prices.

Mr. Nikpe highlighted that this marks the largest fare reduction since the administrative framework for public transport pricing was introduced in 2015.

“The measure has provided much-needed relief for passengers while maintaining operational stability for transport operators,” he added.