Ghana: Act 1153 Commercial Motorcycle LI Operationalization Confirmed

• Ghana's Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1153), which legalizes commercial motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles, is nearing implementation.
• The specific Legislative Instrument (LI), the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (Legislative Instrument 2519), required to operationalize Act 1153, has been finalized and is in force.
• Minister of Transport, Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, urged patience from operators while the government finalizes the legal framework.
• The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) launched a 2026 campaign to promote road safety and reduce fatalities, emphasizing rider responsibility.
• These commercial transport modes are recognized as indispensable for economic activity, last-mile connectivity, and employment, especially in remote areas.

The Ghana Act 1153 commercial motorcycle LI, which is the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (Legislative Instrument 2519), is therefore not merely a formality but a vital instrument designed to establish clear compliance requirements and operational standards for all involved in this burgeoning transport segment.

Ghana's transport sector is on the cusp of significant regulatory change with the impending operationalization of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1153). Minister of Transport, Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, recently confirmed that the implementation of this pivotal legislation, which formally permits the commercial use of motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles, is set to commence shortly. The Legislative Instrument (LI), specifically the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (Legislative Instrument 2519), providing specific operational guidelines for these services, has been finalized and published.

Speaking from the Tudu Ayalolo Lorry Terminal in Accra during the launch of the 2026 road safety campaign, Minister Nikpe appealed for patience from commercial operators. He explained that the government is diligently working through the final stages of establishing the comprehensive legal framework necessary to govern their activities. This campaign, a joint initiative by the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and supported by Somoco Ghana Limited, aims to foster responsible road-user behavior and enhance adherence to existing road traffic regulations, ultimately striving to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

The government has already fulfilled a major legislative commitment by securing parliamentary approval for the amendments to the Road Traffic Act, thereby legalizing the commercial operations of motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles. This foundational step, enshrined in the Ghana Road Traffic Amendment Act 2025, sets the stage for the detailed regulations to follow. Minister Nikpe acknowledged public impatience regarding the timeline for full operationalization, noting that many believe the process has taken too long.

However, he underscored the necessity of adhering to statutory procedures. These processes are crucial to ensure that operators are adequately prepared to deliver services safely, with dignity, and in a professional manner, thereby safeguarding both providers and the public. The Ghana Act 1153 commercial motorcycle LI, which is the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (Legislative Instrument 2519), is therefore not merely a formality but a vital instrument designed to establish clear compliance requirements and operational standards for all involved in this burgeoning transport segment.

Beyond regulatory compliance, the Minister highlighted the profound economic and social contributions of these transport modes. He characterized motorcycles and tricycles as an indispensable means of transport, particularly vital in underserved and hard-to-reach communities where traditional public transport options are often unavailable. This sector plays a significant role in bolstering economic activity by facilitating last-mile connectivity, supporting trade, and generating employment opportunities for thousands of Ghanaians.

Concurrently, the Director-General of the NRSA, Mr. Abraham Amaliba, emphasized that while these vehicles have significantly enhanced mobility, commerce, and job creation, operators bear a critical responsibility to ensure their activities do not jeopardize lives. He described the 'Safe Journey Road Safety Campaign' as a renewed national commitment to elevating road safety standards across the country. Mr. Amaliba stressed that mobility must be intrinsically linked with safety, stating that transportation's purpose is to ease movement, not to cause fatalities. He urged motorcycle and tricycle riders to strictly observe road traffic regulations, utilize appropriate protective gear, and adopt safe riding practices to mitigate crashes involving these particularly vulnerable road users.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Ghana should monitor the finalization and publication of the Legislative Instrument (LI) for the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1153), as it will define the specific operational regulations for commercial motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles. This pending LI will dictate compliance requirements for businesses and individuals involved in or impacted by these transport services, requiring proactive review to ensure adherence once operational.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Times