The Managing Director of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Abraham Amaliba, has defended the rising use of commercial motorbikes, popularly known as okada, arguing that they have become an essential part of Ghana’s transport system. He explained that their widespread adoption is not simply a matter of legality but of necessity.
“The operations of okada have filled a critical gap, and Ghanaians have embraced and patronised them. Though technically illegal, they serve a purpose that cannot be ignored,” Mr. Amaliba stated in an interview with Joy News on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
He emphasised that okada riders provide services on routes often neglected by other transport options. “From the first stretch of 100 miles between the city centre and a lorry park, to the short trip from your home to the nearest station, okada is there to bridge the gap. That is the reality,” he added.
He added that okada services are also vital in rural areas where conventional transport options are limited. “Even outside the city centre they are a major source of transport in some rural communities. The police are unable to deal with it because it has become popular,” Mr Amaliba said. Mr Amaliba argued that the increasing acceptance of okada means regulation, rather than prohibition, may be the most practical policy response.
“The justification is that it has become popular, whether you like it or not. After your vehicles, aeroplanes, and okadas have now become a mode of transport, and you cannot do anything about it. So, now a wise government would want to regulate it so that it becomes safe,” he added. His comments come amid ongoing debates over the safety and legality of okada operations in Ghana, with calls from various stakeholders for clearer regulation and stricter enforcement.
Source: William Narh
