The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has defended its proposal to set 25 years as the minimum age for commercial motorcycle and tricycle riders, also known as Okada riders, in Ghana.
This provision forms part of the new Legislative Instrument (L.I.) being drafted to amend the existing Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (Legislative Instrument 2180).
Under the proposed regulations, individuals wishing to operate ‘Okada’, will need to belong to a recognised tricycle transport union or be employed by a licensed commercial motorcycle company.
The proposal also stipulates that riders must be at least 25 years old.
The aim is to improve the monitoring of commercial motorcycles and tricycles and ensure that operators meet the required competency standards.
However, the proposal has sparked debate, with many questioning why the age requirement for driving is 18, but 25 for Okada riders.
In response, Mr. Amaliba defended the 25-year age requirement during an interview on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey.
He clarified that the current law already stipulates that while the legal age for driving in Ghana is 18, the age for driving vehicles or motorbikes for commercial purposes is 25.
According to Mr. Amaliba, NRSA acknowledges that the age 25 might be too high and noted that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is working to amend the age requirement.
