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Mahama: Ghana to Legalize Okada, Boost Rail & Air Transport

Ghana to Legalize Commercial Okada, Expand Rail and Air Transport – Mahama Announces in SONA 2025

Ghana is about to make a significant regulatory change by legalizing commercial motorbike transportation, or “Okada,” as part of larger initiatives to improve urban mobility and create jobs. This declaration was delivered by President John Dramani Mahama during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2025. He disclosed that his government wants to give the industry a more organized regulatory framework.

To ensure safety and order on the roads, the government plans to implement a comprehensive four-point strategy, which includes:

Licensing: Riders must acquire official permits.
Training: Mandatory road safety education programs.
Enforcement: Strict measures to curb reckless riding.
Digital Tracking: Implementation of GPS tracking for Okada operators.

President Mahama made it clear that his government plans to organize and regulate Okada activities rather than criminalize them. He said that well-designed policies would increase road safety and acknowledged that the industry supports thousands of young people.

Opponents of legalizing Okada have voiced concerns about possible safety hazards, sparking continuous discussions. To improve order and reduce hazards, the president promised parliamentarians that stringent rules will be incorporated into the Road Traffic Act’s future changes. In the upcoming months, it is anticipated that the amended legislation will be presented to Parliament.

Beyond Okada legalization, President Mahama also outlined ambitious plans to revamp Ghana’s transport infrastructure, including:

National Airline Revival: The government plans to reintroduce a national airline to boost Ghana’s aviation sector, positioning the country as a regional hub. This initiative follows the collapse of Ghana Airways in 2004 and the short-lived operations of Ghana International Airlines, which ceased in 2010.
Railway Expansion: Major railway expansions are set to enhance connectivity along key commercial routes such as the Western, Eastern, and Central corridors.
Coastal Transport Development: Investments in water transport are aimed at reducing road congestion and improving accessibility for coastal communities reliant on fishing and trade.

The president disclosed that these transport reforms would be funded through a combination of:

Public-private partnerships
Foreign investments
Government allocations

It is anticipated that these infrastructure upgrades will change Ghana’s transportation system, spur economic expansion, and generate job opportunities.

The government’s dedication to sustainable economic development is demonstrated by the legalization of Okada, the resuscitation of a national airline, and the growth of railway and coastal transportation as Ghana prepares to enter a new age in transportation. These suggested revisions represent a daring step toward upgrading Ghana’s mobility industry as the country awaits legislative amendments.

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