The Ministry of Transport is taking steps to establish a robust regulatory framework for the operations of commercial motorcycles and tricycles, popularly known as okada, in Ghana.
Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, announced that as part of efforts to regulate motorcycles and tricycles used for fare-paying passengers, the Ministry has initiated processes to amend the Road Traffic Act 2004 (Act 683) and the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (LI 2180).
“Motorcycles and tricycles, commonly known as okada, are vital for transportation systems. However, current regulations ban their use, creating enforcement and safety challenges,” Mr. Nikpe said at the Government Accountability Series press conference held at the Presidency in Accra.
He explained that stakeholder consultations had been completed, and Cabinet had approved the proposed amendments, which will soon be laid before Parliament.
On the issue of transport fares, the Minister revealed that government had negotiated with transport operators for a 15 per cent reduction in public transport fares to ease the financial burden on commuters and reflect recent improvements in the macroeconomic environment, including reductions in fuel prices.
He noted that the adjustment, which took effect on May 24, marks the most significant fare reduction since the administrative arrangement on public transport fares was introduced in 2015.
According to him, the measure has provided much-needed relief to passengers while ensuring the operational stability of transport operators.
Source: GNA
