Minimum age for Okada riders lowered to 21 – Transport Minister

The Ministry of Transport has announced a reduction in the minimum age for commercial motorcycle riders, commonly known as okada riders, from 25 to 21 years.

This is part of a broader legislative effort to regularise and legalise okada operations in Ghana.

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe disclosed that a memo has already been submitted to Cabinet for approval, which will formalise the age adjustment in the upcoming law.

The initial proposal pegged the age limit at 25, the same required of commercial taxi and bus drivers, but many young riders and stakeholders raised concerns about its potential impact.

“This decision wasn’t taken lightly. We listened to feedback from rider associations and other groups who feared that the 25-year limit would lock many young people out of a source of income,” Mr Nikpe said.

The draft Legislative Instrument (L.I) outlines several requirements for legal okada and tricycle operations. Riders must hold a valid national ID, obtain a commercial rider’s licence from the DVLA, and pass an oral, theoretical and vision-based proficiency test.

The legislation also mandates safety measures such as the use of certified helmets bearing unique numbers, provision of helmets for passengers, and special yellow licence plates. All riders must obey traffic laws and speed regulations.

Those who operate without proper licensing or outside of registered unions could face stiff penalties, including fines of up to 100 penalty units or imprisonment.

The Ministry’s move signals a more structured approach to integrating okada riders into Ghana’s transport system, balancing safety with livelihood opportunities.