by MulticdbOnline | June 2025
#LocalFocus #UrbanTransport #multicdbonline
In a bold move to formalize one of Ghana’s most vibrant but controversial transport sectors, the government has rolled out a structured training program for Okada riders—and it’s more than just road signs and helmets.
For years, Okadas (commercial motorbikes) have filled critical transport gaps in congested urban areas and remote rural towns. But with increasing road accidents, unlicensed riders, and safety concerns, the government knew something had to change.
🚦 The Shift from Chaos to Order
The Ministry of Transport, in partnership with the DVLA and private players like Okadamotto, is now leading a nationwide push to professionalize Okada riding. The result? A new generation of riders being trained in defensive driving, traffic laws, bike maintenance, and customer care.
“It’s not just about riding—it’s about riding right,” said Ras Mubarak, one of the initiative’s coordinators.
Training programs have kicked off at the STC Driving School in Accra, with monthly intakes of 100 riders. Each session runs for five days, equipping participants with essential skills—and setting a new standard for road safety in Ghana.
📚 What’s in the Curriculum?
• Traffic regulations and road signs
• First aid and accident response
• Motorcycle maintenance
• Ethical customer service
• Gender and safety awareness (in some regions)
🌍 Learning from the Best
Officials are also borrowing a page from Rwanda’s playbook—known for its clean, well-regulated motorbike industry. A Ghanaian delegation is expected to study their system to implement similar standards, including uniformed jackets, numbered vests, and digital licensing.
🔧 Safety Meets Opportunity
While critics have long called for outright bans, the government is flipping the narrative: legalise it, regulate it, and make it safer for everyone.
This isn’t just about traffic—it’s about jobs, mobility, and giving dignity to one of Ghana’s most accessible forms of employment.
🗣️ Voices from the Road
“Before, I didn’t know what half the signs meant. Now, I ride knowing I’ll get home safe—and so will my passenger.”
– Issahak Haruna, trained rider
📲 The Road Ahead
This pilot is just the beginning. The goal? National rollout, tech integration, and a future where Okada riding is a respected, safe, and legal profession.
At MulticdbOnline, we celebrate solutions that empower communities. The Okada rider training program is one example of policy meeting people where they are—and raising the standard while doing it.
Stay locked for more updates on transport, innovation, and empowerment stories from across Ghana and beyond.
#multicdbonline | #OkadaTraining | #GhanaRising