Ghana’s age requirement for commercial motorcycle riders, commonly known as okada, has been lowered from 25 to 21 years as the government moves closer to legalizing the industry.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe revealed that a revised memo has been prepared for Cabinet approval, following public feedback that challenged the original 25-year age limit proposed by the Ministry of Transport.
Currently, commercial bus and taxi drivers in Ghana must be at least 25 years old to qualify for a professional driving license. The Ministry’s initial okada regulation had mirrored this rule, setting 25 as the minimum age for riders.
However, the proposed limit faced pushback from the Association of Motor Riders, who argued that it would restrict job opportunities for younger Ghanaians who rely on motorcycle transport for a living.
The adjustment to 21 years reflects the Ministry’s responsiveness to public concerns as it finalizes the framework for legal okada operations in Ghana.
