Government plans to revise the law banning transport "okada"

General News of Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Source: citinewsroom.com

2019-03-27

Stakeholder consultations have been initiated for a possible review of the law prohibiting the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes.

According to the Ministry of Transport, which leads the discussion, Okada's activity has provided jobs for thousands of people and has also simplified the movement of merchants, hence the need to review the law.

The Traffic By-law, 128, 2012 prohibits the use of motorcycles or tricycles for commercial purposes apart from courier and delivery services.

In accordance with the regulations in force, the license and driver's license holder may not register a motorcycle or a tricycle for commercial use.

In addition, riders can not take money from a pbadenger as a transport ticket.

Anyone found to be liable incurs up to 30 days in jail or a fine of up to 25 units.

Although the law exists, the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes has become one of the most popular means of transportation in Ghana. Many traders consider it as a more convenient and faster way of doing business because it is easier to move from one place to another.

"There is no doubt that Okada's business has advantages. He has used a lot and it will be good to come back. We all need to talk and discuss this issue, "Titus Glover, Deputy Minister of Transport, told Citi Business News after a consultative forum with stakeholders from the transport sector.

Officials from various institutions were present at the forum. They include officers from the MTTD Police, DVLA, as well as some municipal and district offices in the Greater Accra region.