The government is taking steps towards legalising and regulating commercial motorcycle transport, widely known as Okada, as part of broader efforts to streamline the country’s transport system.

The Acting Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Lawyer Abraham Amaliba, has disclosed that amendments to Section 128 (1), (2), and (3) of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (L.I. 2180) are currently under review.

A 13-member committee, set up by the Transport Minister, has been tasked with assessing and proposing necessary modifications.

In a bid to enhance road safety and curb traffic violations, he revealed that a new traffic enforcement initiative, Traffitech, will be introduced should the amended regulations be approved.

He made this known during an interview on TV3’s Hot Issues on Sunday, 23rd March 2025.

This innovative system, according to the NRSA boss, is designed to issue instant electronic fines to road offenders through text message notifications, eliminating the need for physical police intervention.

“We have a programme called Traffitech. This system will facilitate the issuance of spot fines for road violations. Offenders will receive instant messages informing them of their infractions, such as jumping traffic lights,” Lawyer Amaliba stated.

He further stated that, as part of the Traffitech initiative, speed cameras will be installed on highways and streets across Ghana to monitor motorists and pedestrians.

This, he said, will not only enhance compliance with traffic laws but also help reduce congestion and accidents.

“If this law is passed, Traffitech will be implemented as part of the amendment. It will ensure that drivers receive instant notifications when they violate road regulations, eliminating the need for police officers to stop vehicles manually,” he stressed.

With the anticipated legalisation of Okada, strict regulations will be put in place to ensure the safety of riders, passengers, and other road users.

Lawyer Amaliba noted that Okada operators will undergo comprehensive road safety education and will be required to adhere strictly to all traffic regulations.

“Once legalisation is in effect, Okada riders will not be permitted to jump traffic lights or disobey road rules. Violators will face penalties under the new system. Additionally, there will be widespread road safety education campaigns aimed at both Okada riders and private vehicle drivers to foster mutual respect on the road,” he explained.

Lawyer Amaliba highlighted that road congestion in Ghana is exacerbated by driver indiscipline and a lack of mutual respect between motorists and Okada riders. He expressed optimism that legalising and regulating Okada operations, coupled with education and enforcement measures, will lead to a more orderly road transport system.

“The congestion we experience is largely due to indiscipline and the perception that Okada riders have no rights on the road. Once legalised, drivers will need to acknowledge Okada riders as lawful road users. We will also intensify education to ensure Okada riders operate responsibly,” he said.

To ensure a smooth transition, he said the government and relevant transport agencies plan to conduct extensive stakeholder consultations across major regions, including Greater Accra, Ashanti, Northern, and Volta. These engagements will provide an opportunity for public input on the regulatory framework for Okada operations.