Hon. Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie, Member of Parliament (MP) for Odododiodoo, has hailed the passage of the Road Traffic Amendment Bill, 2025, as a transformative milestone for youth employment and urban mobility in Ghana.
Following Parliament’s landmark decision on Thursday, December 10, to legalize the commercial use of motorcycles—popularly known as Okada—Hon. Ashie expressed immense pride, noting that the move fulfills a core campaign promise and restores dignity to thousands of riders.
From Outlawed to Organized
Reflecting on the history of the trade, Hon. Ashie pointed out that his constituency was the birthplace of the Okada business in Ghana. He criticized the previous ban, arguing it fueled unemployment and forced riders into dangerous, “fear-based” behavior on the roads.
“Most of these young men rode lawlessly because of fear. At traffic lights, some were afraid to stop because they thought the police would seize their keys. It wasn’t a lack of discipline; it was the fear of arrest,” Ashie explained.
By bringing the sector into the legal fold, the MP believes the “cat-and-mouse” game with law enforcement will end, significantly reducing traffic accidents caused by evasion.
The Roadmap to Safety
Legalization does not mean a free-for-all. Hon. Ashie emphasized that the new Bill introduces a strict regulatory framework designed to professionalize the industry,
He pointed out that there will be a mandatory training to ensure that all commercial riders undergo road safety certification, identifiable brand vests for easy identification and operator database, for a reliable database of all commercial operators and strict adherence to standard traffic regulations without the excuse of “fleeing the police.”
Education and Organization
To ensure a smooth transition, Hon. Ashie announced a localized “Information is Power” campaign within the Odododiodoo constituency.
He plans to host a stakeholder forum, bringing together riders, mechanics, and spare parts dealers, digital outreach, using social media platforms to circulate the specific requirements of the new law and unionization: Organizing riders under a single umbrella to simplify monitoring and collective advocacy.
“When I sit behind an Okada rider because I’m late for Parliament, I want to feel safe,” Ashie remarked. “Legalization will ensure that.”
The Road Traffic Amendment Bill now moves to the President’s desk for assent. Once signed, commercial motorcycle transport will be officially integrated into Ghana’s national public transport system.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com