The Ministry of Transport has announced a new initiative to formalise the operations of commercial motorcycles and tricycles, widely known as 'okada' and 'pragya'.
Speaking on behalf of the sector minister at the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) 2025 Mid-Year Review Conference in Kumasi, the Deputy Minister, Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey, indicated that the move is a core component of the government's commitment to improving road safety, reducing accident rates, and regulating these informal transport systems.
Under the new regulations, operators will be required to undergo formal training and obtain commercial driving or riding licences from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) before they can offer fare-paying services.
She stressed that this licensing and training is a "non-negotiable" requirement and commended the DVLA for its recent advancements, including its new 24-hour operations and the upcoming rollout of security-enhanced number plates with electronic chips, and urged for increased collaboration among key stakeholders, such as the National Road Safety
The Deputy Minister urged for increased collaboration among key stakeholders, such as the National Road Safety Authority and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Ghana Police Service, to guarantee the success of these safety initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Foster Akwasi Asante announced the mandatory registration of excavators and farm equipment at the Tema and Takoradi ports, which is a central part of a national effort to combat illegal mining and environmental degradation.
The conference, themed "Resetting DVLA for an Efficient and Effective 24-Hour Operation", also served as a platform for the Ministry of Transport to announce plans to amend Ghana’s Road Traffic Regulations to create a legal framework for the commercial use of motorcycles and tricycles in passenger transport services.
Representing the Ashanti Regional Minister, the Chief Executive of the Ejisu Municipal Assembly, Ms Jerryne Asante, lauded the DVLA's evolution, calling it a "model of public sector innovation".
Ms. Asante encouraged the authority to build on its success and boldly embrace the future, specifically highlighting the formalisation of 'okada', 'pragya', and 'aboboya' operations.
She emphasised the importance of these transport modes, noting they are not only "essential in rural and semi-urban areas" but also provide "viable employment opportunities for Ghana’s youth".
