The Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Ing. David Osafo Adonteng, has emphasized that the operations of 'Okada' remain illegal, countering recent promises made by John Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Mahama pledged to legalise commercial motorbike operations, commonly known as 'okada,' during an engagement with residents of Worawora in the Biakoye Constituency of the Oti Region on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.“If we come into power, we will legalise okada business. We will train you on how to go about the business, being able to ride the motorbikes alone does not make you a commercial rider. We will register all of you so your operation can be regulated,” Mahama told his supporters.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 Road Safety Easter Campaign, Ing. Adonteng reiterated the current legal stance, stating that using motorcycles and tricycles for commercial purposes is prohibited by existing laws.

"The law is what we are going with. In Ghana, the regulations prohibit motorcycles or tricycles for commercial purposes. You can only use them for delivery or courier services, as acceptable by law and enforced by the National Road Safety Authority and the Ghana Police Service," stated Ing. Adonteng.

He further highlighted ongoing efforts to engage motor riders, provide training, and sensitise them to reduce their contribution to road fatalities.However, he cautioned against promises of regularisation until legal provisions are altered.

“We have recently been engaging some motor riders and some of them have formed some associations and I don’t think it is called Okada Riders Association. We have found a strategy of engaging them, training them, sensitizing them, and we have seen some significant reductions in terms of their contribution to the fatalities stock.”

“If someone says he will regularize their activities or I will accept, let us get there but for now, we are enforcing what has been provided by the Road Traffic Regulations LI 2180,” Ing Adonteng added.