The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) is preparing for the legalization of commercial motorcycles (‘Okadas’) and tricycles (‘Candoos’) as part of new regulations aimed at improving road safety and formalizing the sector.
Abraham Amaliba, Director General of the NRSA, recently shared insights on the forthcoming legal framework during a conversation on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show. According to Amaliba, the draft regulations, which were developed by a committee set up by the Ministry of Transport, have now been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for final adjustments. Once approved, the draft will be presented to Parliament for consideration.
“The process is now at the Attorney General’s Department, and once it’s fine-tuned, it will go to Parliament. We anticipate that it will be passed within 21 days of Parliament’s resumption, provided there are no challenges,” Amaliba explained. He further emphasized that once the law is passed, both ‘Okada’ and ‘Candoo’ operations will be legalized, and strict regulations will govern their use.
One of the main priorities of the new law is ensuring safety for riders and passengers. Amaliba highlighted several key measures that will be enforced, including mandatory use of reflectors by riders and the provision of two helmets for each motorcycle, with an emphasis on proper helmet use. “The law will require riders to have two helmets, one for themselves and one for their passengers,” he said, stressing that helmets would no longer be an optional safety feature.
In addition to the helmet requirement, Amaliba revealed that riders will be required to adhere to a set of strict rules aimed at reducing accidents and ensuring safety on the roads. These regulations will be enforced through heightened monitoring, with a focus on compliance by operators.
“Enforcement will be key. It won’t be a free-for-all. We are ensuring that the legal framework is clear and that those operating motorbikes for commercial purposes will be held accountable,” Amaliba affirmed.
For regular users of ‘Okadas’ and ‘Candoos’, the NRSA is also encouraging individuals to take personal responsibility by acquiring their own helmets to ensure they are protected, especially as the sector formalizes. “If you’re a frequent Okada user and you’re concerned about the state of the helmets provided, you’re welcome to bring your own helmet for added safety,” Amaliba noted.
The introduction of these new regulations comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to address the rapid rise of motorbike taxis in Ghana, which have become a crucial means of transportation in many urban and rural areas. With the proper implementation of these safety measures, the NRSA aims to significantly reduce road crashes involving motorcycles and tricycles, while also ensuring that the sector operates within a legal framework.
Source: A1RadioOnline.com|101.1 MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Bolgatanga
