The Ghana Road Safety Authority (GRSA) is advocating for legal reforms to regulate the commercial motorbike transport sector, widely known as Okada, in response to the growing number of motorbike-related accidents across the country.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, July 16, the Director-General of the GRSA, Abraham Amaliba, revealed that the Authority is currently working with Parliament to revise existing transport laws to officially integrate Okada operations into the national regulatory system.
“We are amending the law, and when that law comes into being — including the Okada law — all these things will come on board,” Mr. Amaliba stated.
The proposed amendment seeks to provide the legal mandate needed to regulate Okada activities, enforce safety standards, and empower the GRSA to implement compliance mechanisms nationwide.
Mr. Amaliba also noted that the Authority is intensifying collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and has brought National Security on board to support a coordinated approach to addressing the alarming rate of motorbike-related crashes.
Despite ongoing efforts, the Director-General expressed worry about the persistent disregard for road safety protocols among some Okada riders.
“The indiscipline on the part of some Okada riders is also the reason why the accidents are on the increase,” he said.
He cited issues such as reckless riding, non-compliance with traffic rules, and failure to wear helmets or protective gear as major concerns that undermine the nation’s road safety agenda.
The GRSA’s renewed push for legal backing comes amid mounting public concern over the rise in fatalities and injuries linked to motorbike transport. The Authority believes that with a proper legislative framework and stricter enforcement, road safety outcomes can be significantly improved for all road users
