New Okada law requires regular rider education — Elikem Kotoko

A Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has called for periodic training for commercial motorcycle riders to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

His remarks follow the passage of the Road Traffic Amendments Bill, popularly known as the Okada Bill, which has been sent to the Presidency for assent.

Parliament approved the legislation on Thursday, December 11, paving the way for the formal integration of motorcycles and tricycles into Ghana’s transport system once the President signs it into law.

The bill introduces strong safety requirements, including mandatory protective gear, and aims to regulate an industry that has long operated outside formal oversight.

Lawmakers debated issues such as road safety, the need for dedicated lanes, and enforcement challenges.

Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily show on Monday, December 15, Kotoko stressed the need for careful planning and ongoing rider education.

“Even as it is done now, it still will take some days for some other things to be done… but I feel that it creates a lot of opportunities, not only economically, but also administratively, for all of us to now see how we can fine-tune the transportation sector itself,” he said.

He emphasized that commercial riders must be trained on traffic regulations, lane discipline, and safe speeds to reduce accidents.

“It means that there’s a need for regular and periodic training of Okada or motorbike riders for commercial purposes. They ought to be trained on how to respect traffic regulations, which lane is good for them, at what speed, and so on,” he said.

The Deputy NDC National Organiser also highlighted the role of technology in improving safety, proposing the use of speed cameras to monitor traffic violations and enforce discipline.

He suggested that fines could be automatically linked to mobile accounts, ensuring consistent enforcement across new roads and urban areas.