The Commercial Motor Riders Union has called on the government and Parliament’s committee working on the proposed Okada Bill to expedite its consideration to help regulate and standardise commercial motorcycle operations in the country.
The union said the delay in passing the legislation has created uncertainty among commercial motorcycle operators, who are eager to see a legal framework that will promote professionalism and improve safety within the sector.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, the National Spokesperson of the Commercial Motor Riders Union, Akpanaba Solomon, said the union had worked tirelessly with the government, the Ministry of Transport and other stakeholders to ensure the bill is passed.
He said the legislation would help commercial motorcycle operators conduct their businesses professionally while addressing concerns about recklessness, indiscipline and criminal activities often associated with the sector.
Mr. Solomon recalled that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in its 2024 election manifesto, pledged to regularise commercial motorcycle operations through an appropriate legal framework. He described the policy as commendable but expressed concern over the delay in implementing the promised reforms.
He urged the government to fast-track the legislative process to fulfil its commitment to commercial motorcycle operators and provide a clear regulatory framework for the industry.
Meanwhile, Okada Africa, operating under its parent organisation, the Okada Foundation LBG, has announced its readiness to partner with the government to support the development of the commercial motorcycle sector.
The foundation, an independent non-profit social impact organisation, aims to improve the livelihoods of motorcycle riders through skills development, legal protection and financial literacy.
Speaking during the same programme, the Corporate Affairs Manager of Okada Africa, Umar Moro Kamatey, said the organisation is prepared to collaborate with the government and commercial motorcycle unions to promote professionalism, safety and higher operational standards within the industry.
He said the partnership would include rider training, the provision of safety kits and education on road safety practices to help reduce motorcycle-related accidents across the country.
Mr. Kamatey reiterated that the foundation remains committed to improving the welfare of motorcycle riders through capacity building, legal support and financial literacy programmes, while complementing government efforts to create a safer and more organised commercial motorcycle transport sector.