Ras Mubarak among some of the riders
Former Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak, has announced that 100 Okada riders will be trained every month for the next six months as part of efforts to improve road safety and ensure responsible motorcycle riding in Ghana.
The initiative, spearheaded by Gold Coast Mobility Innovations Limited (Okadamotto), seeks to equip riders with proper road safety skills, defensive riding techniques, and accident prevention strategies.
“Our vision is to give training to Okada riders because most of them don’t have any idea about the use of motorbikes. Every month, we will train 100 Okada riders within Accra, and if God permits, we will expand to other regions,” Ras Mubarak who doubles as the founding partner of Okadamotto said.
Ras Mubarak further highlighted the role of technology in transforming the Okada industry, emphasizing the introduction of a mobile application designed to enhance convenience and safety.
According to him, the app functions similarly to Uber, allowing users to request motorbike rides online, ensuring a more structured and efficient transportation system.
He stressed that the platform would not only streamline operations for riders but also help regulate their activities, reducing the risks associated with reckless riding.
“We have a mobile app for motorbikes that runs like Uber, allowing users to request bikes online. We do not want reckless driving on the roads,” he asserted, adding that proper training, digital monitoring, and accountability are key to making Okada services safer and more reliable for passengers.
After the five-day training session, the first batch of riders received 100 helmets, t-shirts, phone holders, and other safety gear to enhance their riding experience.
The Board Chairman of Okadamotto, Dr. James Antwi, urged the riders to adhere to road signs and regulations to reduce accidents and improve public confidence in Okada services.
Dr. Proper Detti, Chief Financial Officer of Okadamotto, who led the training, emphasized key focus areas such as defensive riding techniques, road sign interpretation, and accident prevention strategies.
The initiative comes as the government moves to commercialize the Okada sector. Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, recently announced plans to officially license Okada riders as commercial transport providers.
During a visit to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in Accra on February 10, 2025, Minister Nikpe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to regulating motorcycle transport.
“You may recall that we made a campaign promise to regulate the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes. That process starts today. We are now examining the necessary regulations and legal frameworks to allow them to operate commercially,” he said.
He further assured that Okada riders would receive proper training and certification, which would lead to safer roads and reduced congestion.
“Our brothers in the Okada business will now have their own licenses, be certified, and be well-trained to transport passengers safely,” he added.
The training session, which runs from February 24 to February 28, 2025, marks the first phase of a nationwide training programme to enhance the capacity of Okada riders across the country.
AM/KA
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