Parliament has officially passed the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a landmark legislation that legalises and regulates the commercial use of motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles across Ghana. The bill, which amends the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), marks a major shift in the country’s transport regulatory framework.
According to the Committee on Roads and Transport, the amendment seeks to modernise Ghana’s road transport system, enhance safety standards, and create new economic opportunities, particularly for the youth.
Key Components of the New Amendment
1. Legalisation and Regulation of Okada and Tricycle Operations
For the first time, commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations, popularly known as okada and pragia, will operate legally under a comprehensive licensing regime. The government says this will promote safety, reduce chaos on the roads, and formalise an already booming transport sub-sector.
2. New Licensing Requirements for Riders
Under the new law, okada riders must meet strict conditions, including:
- Minimum age of 25 years
- Valid national ID card
- Commercial rider’s licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA)
- Mandatory proficiency examination, including:
- Oral test
- Theoretical test
- Eye test
Riders must also undergo formal training before being licensed.
3. Mandatory Safety Gear and Registration
To curb rising accident rates, the law introduces a new set of safety standards:
- Riders must wear certified protective helmets with identification numbers.
- A unique yellow licence plate is required for all commercial motorcycles and tricycles.
- Passengers must also be provided with helmets.
- Riders must belong to a recognised union, which will support training, compliance, and accountability.
4. Enhanced Road Safety Measures
The bill introduces new measures aimed at reducing road traffic accidents:
- Standardised seat belt and safety equipment regulations
- Revised alcohol concentration limits for drivers
- Mandatory vehicle emission testing to improve environmental safety
- Reduced age restrictions for certain commercial drivers to expand employment opportunities
5. Regulation of Ride-Hailing and Passenger Services
The amendment also strengthens the legal framework for:
- Ride-hailing platforms like Uber, Bolt and Yango
- Fare-paying passenger services across the country
This ensures that the digital transport ecosystem is fully regulated, safe, and accountable.
Why This Amendment Matters
The Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is expected to:
- Improve road safety
- Create thousands of jobs for Ghana’s youth
- Formalise the commercial motorcycle sector
- Enhance environmental standards
- Provide a modern, comprehensive regulatory framework for transportation in Ghana
The government believes the new law will help sanitise the transport sector and reduce accidents associated with unregulated operations.
As Ghana moves toward a more integrated and organised transport system, the passing of this bill represents a major milestone in the country’s road safety and youth employment agenda.
