The Okada Riders Association has reaffirmed the crucial role of training in improving safety in the commercial motorcycle industry.
This comes in response to the recent proposal by the Minister of Transportation, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, to amend the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180). The amendment seeks to allow only individuals aged 25 and above to operate commercial motorcycles and tricycles as part of efforts to boost safety and accountability in the industry.
Speaking to Bullet TV, Emmanuel Kwao Arku, the Public Relations Officer of the National Tricycle Union, voiced the union’s concerns about the proposed age restriction.
“Our union raised a concern that the age limit should be reduced to at least 20 or 21 years,” he stated. “We know that 21-year-olds are graduating from universities and most of our operators are graduates.”
“A 21-year-old graduate knows right from wrong and values life. At least at 20 or 21 years, a person is mature enough to understand safety and responsibility. These are the concerns we’ve raised, and the authorities have taken note. We are hopeful they will act on it,” he added.
Meanwhile, Solomon Akpanaba, the Public Relations Officer of the Okada Riders Association, stressed in an interview with Citi News that training, not age limits, should be the primary focus.
“We have always said—and will keep saying—that if you want to instill discipline or reduce road accidents drastically, focus on the rider’s training. Not their age,” he asserted.
“An 18-year-old, if properly trained, will know that waiting for two minutes at a traffic light is more important than rushing and risking lives. With training, young riders can make responsible decisions.”
