Commercial motorbike (okada) operation will soon be legal as the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has officially directed the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to begin registration and licensing.

Mr Nikpe, speaking to the media, after a closed-door meeting with DVLA officials, underlined the move was in fulfilment of the government’s campaign promise which could be traced to 2020.

“We are committed to seeing to it that there is a revision of the law to allow okada riders to operate commercially,” he declared.

“We want to ensure that our brothers in the okada business will have their own licenses and be well trained to transport passengers on our roads,” he explained.

It is expected the move will aid the enforcement of road safety regulations while checking accidents involving motorbikes.

Meanwhile, the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I 2180) currently forbids the use of motorbikes for commercial passenger services, even though enforcement has not been the best leaving room for unchecked okada operation countrywide.

President John Mahama’s vision to see okada legalised is informed by a belief the long-awaited okada legalisation process will result in employment for many youths, while aiding transport, and helping control congestion in urban areas.