Ghana: Commercial Motorcycle Regulation Bill Progress Confirmed

• The Commercial National Motor Riders Union (CNMRU) has dismissed claims that the government has abandoned commercial motorcycle riders.
• A technical committee was established post-2024 elections to research and engage stakeholders on regulating Okada operations in Ghana.
• A delegation, including the Ministry of Transport and DVLA, visited Rwanda to study their commercial motorcycle regulatory system.
• The Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025, legalizing commercial motorcycle operations, has been passed by Parliament, and its operationalizing Legislative Instrument, the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), is finalized and in force.
• Sensitization programs are underway, and plans for mobile licensing services and an electric motorcycle initiative are in motion.

Crucially, the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025, which legalizes commercial motorcycle operations, has been passed by Parliament, and its operationalizing Legislative Instrument, the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), has been finalized and is in force, which the Commercial National Motor Riders Union cites as evidence of significant advancement.

The Commercial National Motor Riders Union (CNMRU) has strongly refuted allegations that the government has neglected commercial motorbike riders, despite receiving their support during the 2024 general election campaign. The union labeled claims made by a group identified as the Okada Riders Association (ORAG) as both false and misleading, asserting that the government has, in fact, undertaken concrete measures toward the legalization and regulation of commercial motorcycle operations in Ghana.

This rebuttal came in a statement issued by the CNMRU following a press conference held on August 18. The union’s stance underscores a significant ongoing debate regarding the future of the Okada sector and the government's commitment to its formal integration into the national transport system.

Following the 2024 elections, the government established a dedicated technical committee tasked with conducting thorough research and engaging various stakeholders on the regulation of Okada operations. The Commercial National Motor Riders Union has confirmed its active involvement in this process, representing the interests of commercial motor riders across Ghana.

Further demonstrating commitment, a delegation of stakeholders, including representatives from the CNMRU, the National Road Safety Authority, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), and the Ministry of Transport, undertook a study tour to Rwanda. The purpose of this visit was to examine that country's established system for regulating commercial motorcycle operations, gathering insights for potential application in Ghana. Crucially, the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025, which legalizes commercial motorcycle operations, has been passed by Parliament, and its operationalizing Legislative Instrument, the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), has been finalized and is in force, which the Commercial National Motor Riders Union cites as evidence of significant advancement.

In parallel with legislative efforts, nationwide sensitization programs are actively being conducted to educate riders on essential aspects such as road safety, proper licensing procedures, responsible riding practices, and the anticipated legal framework for commercial motorcycle operations. The CNMRU is collaborating with the government and the DVLA to introduce mobile licensing services, aiming to bring these services closer to riders and facilitate the acquisition of driving licenses at subsidized rates, thereby streamlining DVLA motorcycle licensing Ghana.

Additionally, the union has expressed its support for proposed plans to establish an electric motorcycle initiative in Ghana. This program is envisioned to provide commercial riders with access to environmentally friendly motorcycles through a convenient work-and-pay arrangement. The CNMRU also clarified its prior political alignment, stating that it supported President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 election campaign specifically due to their commitment to addressing the legal and regulatory challenges confronting commercial motor riders.

The Commercial National Motor Riders Union views these developments as tangible progress, directly countering any assertions of government inaction regarding the Ghana Okada legalization bill. They emphasize that these steps demonstrate a clear commitment to fulfilling promises made to the sector. However, the union acknowledges that not all challenges faced by Okada riders have been fully resolved.

The CNMRU has urged commercial motor riders, the media, and the general public to critically distinguish between what it describes as political propaganda and the substantive work being undertaken to regulate the sector. This call for discernment highlights the importance of understanding the true progress of the Ghana Parliament motorcycle taxi law amidst varying public narratives.

Lawyers advising transport, logistics, or insurance companies in Ghana should closely monitor the legislative progress of the commercial motorcycle regulation bill. Its eventual enactment will introduce new compliance obligations, licensing requirements, and operational standards that will directly impact businesses and individuals involved in or affected by the Okada sector.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Times