NRSA takes new Okada, tricycle regulations to Bolgatanga operators

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has begun sensitising commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators in Bolgatanga on new regulations governing their operations under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2519.

The operators have been given a six-month transition period to familiarise themselves with the new requirements before full implementation.

The regulatory framework covers licensing, registration, passenger safety and commercial identification, including the use of yellow number plates for motorcycles and tricycles used for commercial purposes.

Upper East Regional Head of the NRSA, Eric Anokye Fordjour, said the transition period was intended to give operators sufficient time to understand and comply with the requirements.

“We have a six-month transition to sensitise operators so that they know the requirements that are embedded in this L.I.,” he said.

Mr. Fordjour was speaking at a road safety training workshop for commercial motorcycle, popularly known as Okada, and tricycle operators at the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council in Bolgatanga.

He said the workshop was organised in line with L.I. 2519, which provides legal backing for the commercial use of motorcycles in Ghana.

Participants were educated on valid driving licences and timely renewals, responsible riding, passenger safety and compliance with traffic regulations.

The NRSA also cautioned operators against overloading tricycles, warning that carrying passengers beyond the approved capacity could increase the risk of crashes and serious injuries.

Mr. Fordjour further stressed that commercial operators would be required to belong to recognised unions to make supervision and enforcement of the regulations easier.

“Every operator must belong to a union, and that is very, very important because the union will be supervised,” he said.

According to him, stronger organisation within the sector would promote discipline, accountability and compliance with road safety regulations.

Upper East Regional Chairman of the National Union of Tricycle Operators Ghana, Yakubu Ayamga, welcomed the new regulations, describing them as long-awaited.

“It is something that we have long been waiting for, and I must say that I am very happy,” he said, noting that the sector had created employment opportunities for many young people.

He assured authorities that operators were prepared to comply with the new requirements, adding that the union had already begun organising and registering its members.

Regional Organiser of the National Union of Tricycle Riders Association, Adingo Jonas, also pledged to extend the sensitisation exercise to members who were not present at the workshop.

He urged passengers to inform riders early when they wanted to alight to prevent sudden stops that could endanger passengers, riders and other road users.

The NRSA is expected to continue its sensitisation activities throughout the six-month transition period ahead of the full implementation of the new regulatory framework.