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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n He added that the move is also not in conformity with the labour laws of the country and must not be implemented.<\/p>\n \u201cAny law that restricts Ghana\u2019s commercial riders\u2019 age to 25 years will amount to discrimination and marginalisation of out-of-school youth who are trying to earn a living.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would also be inconsistent with the Labour Act of Ghana. I\u2019ll encourage the Minister of Transport to familiarise himself with existing laws of Ghana,\u201d he wrote on X on April 8, 2025.<\/p>\n Ras Mubarak\u2019s 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 \u2013 popularly known as ‘okada’ and ‘pragyia’, respectively \u2013 by the John Dramani Mahama government.<\/p>\n 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.’<\/p>\n According to 3news.com, the proposed amendment includes a minimum legal age of 25 years to qualify as an ‘okada’ or ‘pragyia’ rider.<\/p>\n It also introduces the issuance of commercial riders\u2019 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.<\/p>\n Below are the proposed amendments:<\/b><\/p>\n Under the draft Legislative Instrument (LI), the following will become mandatory for ‘okada’ and tricycle operators:<\/p>\n – Must be at least 25 years old<\/p>\n – Must possess a valid national ID<\/p>\n – Must have a commercial rider\u2019s licence issued by the DVLA<\/p>\n – Must pass a proficiency test (including oral, theory, and eye exams)<\/p>\n – Must undergo training and be assigned a unique yellow license plate<\/p>\n – Must wear a certified protective helmet with a unique number<\/p>\n – Must provide a helmet for passengers<\/p>\n – Must obey all traffic laws and speed regulations<\/p>\n 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\u00a0both.<\/p>\n BAI\/AE<\/p>\n Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:<\/b><\/p>\n![\"Former](\"https:\/\/cdn.ghanaweb.com\/imagelib\/pics\/742\/74265666.295.jpg\" "\\"Former")
Former NDC MP for Kumbungu Ras Mubarak<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n