Okada riders in Sekondi-Takoradi are pushing back against a proposed amendment to Ghana’s Road Traffic Regulation that would raise the minimum age for licensing commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators to 25.

The riders argue that the new age limit is not only unfair but also in conflict with Ghana’s labor laws, which allow individuals to work starting at age 18. The Ministry of Transport recently revealed the draft legislation, which would impose the 25-year age requirement, leading to backlash from many young riders who rely on this work to support their families.

“Some of us are 20 years old and have families to feed. Okada work puts food on our tables. Setting the minimum age at 25 could push many of us out of business and increase unemployment,” one rider shared with Connect FM.

Critics also pointed out the inconsistency in the law, questioning how people as young as 18 are eligible to vote but may be excluded from this vital economic opportunity. “When it comes to elections, you include persons of 18 years, and yet you want to exclude them from such an opportunity? This is unfair,” another rider said.

The Ministry of Transport is expected to consider these concerns as part of the ongoing consultations. Motorcycles and tricycles have become crucial in areas with limited transportation options, but their rise has prompted increased scrutiny over safety, driving the call for regulation. The government’s goal is to formalize the industry, but for many riders, the new age requirement threatens their livelihoods.

Source:TheDotNews