The passage of the Okada Bill is giving independent riders a chance to break the hold of established driver associations, as low-cost mobility options like Bolt’s Pragya tricycles begin appearing in towns including Ho and Tamale.
The bill, passed on December 11, 2025, legalises the commercial use of motorcycles and tricycles once it receives presidential assent. It also introduces stricter safety standards and new drink-driving limits. For the first time, the government is creating a formal space for okada and pragya operations, shifting them from informal, often controversial transport modes into recognised commercial services.
Bolt Introduces Pragya Services as Market Demand Shifts
Adding momentum to the transformation, ride-hailing platform Bolt has begun introducing Pragya (tricycle) ride options in Ho and Tamale. Users in these cities have reported seeing the new category added to the app, and videos circulating on social media show Bolt-branded tricycles already transporting passengers.
This shows a strategic shift in the ride-hailing landscape, where affordability is becoming increasingly important. Pragya, known for its lower fuel consumption and ability to navigate narrow roads, have already shown strong appeal in areas where car trips are considered expensive or impractical. The addition of tricycles to digital platforms introduces new income opportunities at a time when demand for flexible, budget-friendly transport is rising.
Riders Celebrate Bill They Believe Will Transform Their Trade
Members of the Okada Riders Association have praised the bill, describing it as long overdue. They believe the legislation will help erase years of stigma, improve safety, and create a more structured industry.
Speaking to reporters, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Solomon Akpenaba, highlighted the disorder that once defined the sector and expressed optimism about the shift toward formalisation. According to him, riders have operated for years without the basic structures expected of commercial transport providers. He said, “The riders were operating without unions and even without uniforms. From now on, we will be upgrading our services.”
Akpenaba also addressed long-standing security concerns linked to motorcycle transport. Riders are frequently blamed for crimes committed by individuals using unregistered or unregulated motorbikes. He noted that the new law’s identification and licensing systems would draw a clear distinction between lawful commercial riders and criminals. “You can easily identify those who are Okada riders and those who are not, even just by looking at our registration number plates. So, by 2026, the robbers who operate with motorbikes, and then we all get blamed, will come to an end, and people will know that we are not all the same,” he said.
The association believes that once licensing, uniforms and traceable identification are fully implemented, public trust in the sector will rise and harassment of riders will decline.
Employment and Economic Impact Expected to Surge
The legalisation is expected to drive a substantial rise in employment and economic activity. Motorcycles and tricycles already provide essential transportation in communities underserved by traditional taxis and buses. Now that these services are set to operate within formal regulatory frameworks, riders will gain access to digital mobility platforms, verified identification systems, financing and leasing arrangements, insurance products, and structured passenger booking systems.
This could make motorcycle and tricycle transport one of the fastest-growing sources of youth employment. With traceable income streams and wider access to finance, many young people may find a stable footing in a once unpredictable industry.
Balancing Innovation With Safety
Despite the positive reception, safety remains a primary concern. Regulators have emphasised the need for consistent helmet use, adherence to alcohol restrictions, rigorous rider training, and improved enforcement to reduce accident rates involving motorcycles and tricycles. As soon as the bill receives presidential assent, institutions such as the DVLA and the National Road Safety Authority are expected to roll out stronger oversight measures and certification programmes to ensure the sector grows without compromising public safety.
