Former NDC MP for Kumbungu Ras Mubarak
A former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for the Kumbungu Constituency, Ras Mubarak, has criticised a proposal by the government to limit the age requirement for commercial riders of motorcycles and tricycles, popularly known as ‘okada’ and ‘pragyia,’ to 25 years.
According to the former legislator, the move would be unfair because it would prevent a section of the public who are of the legal age to work in the country from engaging in the ‘okada’ and ‘pragyia’ business.
He added that the move is also not in conformity with the labour laws of the country and must not be implemented.
“Any law that restricts Ghana’s commercial riders’ age to 25 years will amount to discrimination and marginalisation of out-of-school youth who are trying to earn a living.
“It would also be inconsistent with the Labour Act of Ghana. I’ll encourage the Minister of Transport to familiarise himself with existing laws of Ghana,” he wrote on X on April 8, 2025.
Ras Mubarak’s remarks follow a move to amend the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180), to fulfil the promise of regularising the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles – popularly known as ‘okada’ and ‘pragyia’, respectively – by the John Dramani Mahama government.
The promised amendment to LI 2180, announced by the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, on April 7, 2025, at a national stakeholder consultation in Accra, includes new, stricter regulations on the operation of ‘okada’ and ‘pragyia.’
According to 3news.com, the proposed amendment includes a minimum legal age of 25 years to qualify as an ‘okada’ or ‘pragyia’ rider.
It also introduces the issuance of commercial riders’ licenses to all qualified ‘okada’ and ‘pragyia’ operators, along with a requirement to pass a proficiency test, which will include oral, theoretical, and eye examinations.
Below are the proposed amendments:
Under the draft Legislative Instrument (LI), the following will become mandatory for ‘okada’ and tricycle operators:
– Must be at least 25 years old
– Must possess a valid national ID
– Must have a commercial rider’s licence issued by the DVLA
– Must pass a proficiency test (including oral, theory, and eye exams)
– Must undergo training and be assigned a unique yellow license plate
– Must wear a certified protective helmet with a unique number
– Must provide a helmet for passengers
– Must obey all traffic laws and speed regulations
In addition, the proposal includes strict penalties; riders who operate outside of licensed unions or companies could face a fine of 100 penalty units, imprisonment, or both.
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