The operation of commercial motorbikes (commonly known as okadas) is set to become legal, as the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has officially instructed the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to begin the registration and licensing process. In a media briefing following a closed-door meeting with DVLA officials, Mr. Nikpe emphasized that this initiative fulfils a campaign promise made by the government in 2020.
“We are committed to seeing to it that there is a revision of the law to allow okada riders to operate commercially,” he declared. “We want to ensure that our brothers in the okada business will have their own licenses and be well trained to transport passengers on our roads,” he explained. It is expected the move will aid the enforcement of road safety regulations while checking accidents involving motorbikes.
The Road Traffic Regulations of 2012 (L.I. 2180) currently prohibit the use of motorbikes for commercial passenger services. However, enforcement has been inconsistent, allowing for widespread illegal okada operations across the country. President John Mahama supports legalizing okadas, believing that this long-awaited process will create employment opportunities for many youth, improve transportation, and help alleviate congestion in urban areas.
Source: classfmonline.com
