Accra: Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Minister of Transport, has challenged commercial motorcycle, tricycle, and quadricycle riders to demonstrate that the legalization of their operations will not result in increased road crashes and fatalities. He emphasized that while concerns have been raised about safety issues due to the commercialization of their operations, riders have the opportunity to prove that they can operate safely, responsibly, and in compliance with road traffic regulations.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Nikpe made these remarks in Accra during the launch of the 'Safe Journey' Road Safety 2026 Campaign, organized by the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) in partnership with Somoco Ghana Limited, a dealer in motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles. The campaign aims to promote responsible road-user behavior, compliance with road traffic regulations, and a sustained reduction in road crashes, injuries, and fatalities, particularly focusing on motorcycle and tricycle riders.
The Minister highlighted the importance of motorcycles and similar vehicles in enabling people to reach workplaces, businesses, and other destinations where conventional transport services might not be available. He noted that developing countries, including Ghana, face resource constraints that make it difficult to provide sufficient conventional transport services to meet all mobility needs.
Mr. Nikpe explained that the commercialization of motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles is crucial for providing last-mile connectivity to communities underserved by traditional public transport, while also contributing to economic activity and job creation. He stated that the initiative follows amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations, requiring the Ministry of Transport and its agencies to undertake awareness creation, education, training, and insurance arrangements to ensure the new regime operates within the law.
The Minister acknowledged that extensive engagements had been held with stakeholders and citizens who questioned the decision to legalize commercial motorcycle operations due to concerns about road crashes and fatalities. He emphasized that the success of the initiative largely depends on the willingness of riders to obey road traffic regulations and operate safely.
He urged riders to respect road signs and other road users, citing examples from Togo and Rwanda, where motorcycle riders demonstrated greater compliance with road traffic regulations. A delegation from Ghana had also visited Rwanda to learn from its road safety practices, observing the orderly manner in which riders operated and respected road traffic regulations.
The government, he assured, is committed to working with the NRSA, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Ghana Police Service, and other relevant agencies to sensitize, educate, and guide riders. Mr. Abraham Amaliba, the Director-General of NRSA, emphasized that road safety is a shared national responsibility and cannot be left to the Authority alone. He highlighted that speeding, reckless overtaking, riding without appropriate protective equipment, ignoring traffic signals, and riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs could have devastating consequences.
Mr. Amaliba noted that sustainable road safety requires education, engagement, cooperation, enforcement, and continuous collaboration among stakeholders. The campaign will emphasize targeted nationwide education, stakeholder collaboration, and community engagement. He stressed the need for support from the Transport Ministry, Ghana Police Service, DVLA, local authorities, transport unions, commercial operators, motorcycle and tricycle associations, traditional and community leaders, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the media.
Mr. Nii Ayi Hyde, the Managing Director of Somoco Ghana Limited, in a speech read on his behalf, stated that the company views road safety as an important responsibility because its business involves putting thousands of motorcycles and tricycles on Ghana's roads. He emphasized that every road death represents a person, including breadwinners, parents, or young riders trying to make a living, and that behind every statistic is a family whose journey has ended prematurely.
Mr. Hyde noted that it is insufficient for the company to merely sell motorcycles and tricycles that move efficiently; safety must be incorporated into the entire process from the point of sale to the final mile. Somoco, together with the NRSA, is committed to practical interventions including rider training, licensing support, promotion of helmets and protective gear, safety education at the point of sale, and consistent safety messaging at Okada parks, delivery routes, and communities.
He urged riders to wear helmets, respect routes, and protect their passengers, while encouraging dealers and partners to carry the safety message forward. Representatives of motorcycle rider associations commended NRSA and Somoco for the initiative and pledged their support for the government's commercialization agenda. They urged riders to prioritize road safety and heed the safety advice given by the authorities.