Gov’t Moves to Legalise and Regulate Okada Business – DVLA
DVLA outlines plans to formalise Okada sector and improve road safety
- Government developing framework to legalise and regulate Okada operations
- Licensed riders will undergo tests, have unique registration plates, and mandatory helmets
- Reforms aim to professionalise the sector, enhance road safety, and protect riders’ livelihoods
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced that the government is working on a comprehensive framework to legalise and regulate the commercial motorcycle transport sector, popularly known as Okada.
The announcement follows a recent protest by tricycle (Pragia) operators in Kumasi, who demanded formal recognition and regulation of their operations.
Kelvin Caternor, Deputy Director for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the DVLA, explained that the reforms aim to professionalise the sector and improve road safety standards.
He made the comments during the “Motor Riders Day Rally” on Sunday, November 23, 2025, organised by the National Christian Men’s Forum in collaboration with 11 Christian men’s groups.
Under the new regulatory system, commercial riders will undergo an oral test, theory test, and eye examination to ensure responsible road use. Each motorcycle will receive a unique registration plate for easier identification, while mandatory helmets with identification numbers for both riders and passengers will be required.
“These measures are designed to professionalise Okada operations, improve accountability, and safeguard the livelihoods of commercial riders,” Caternor stated.
