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Accra, Ghana — September 17, 2026: Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno has called on commercial motorbike riders, popularly known as Okada riders, to make road safety a top priority and strictly obey traffic regulations.
The IGP said responsible riding, proper training and compliance with licensing and registration requirements were essential to reducing road crashes and creating safer roads for all road users.
He made the call when he and members of the Police Management Board (POMAB) met with the leadership of the Okada Riders Association of Ghana (ORAG) to discuss challenges facing commercial motorbike operators and strengthen cooperation between the association and the Ghana Police Service.
IGP Demands Proper Training and Registration
Mr Yohuno urged Okada operators to ensure that their members receive proper training before taking to the roads.
He also stressed the importance of riders being duly registered and complying with all relevant licensing and motorbike registration requirements.
According to the IGP, enforcement alone cannot solve road safety challenges.
He therefore encouraged ORAG to take an active role in educating its members about responsible riding and the need to comply with road traffic regulations.
Regular education, he said, would help riders better understand their responsibilities and contribute to reducing preventable crashes.
Police and Okada Riders Seek Stronger Cooperation
The engagement forms part of the Police Administration’s broader efforts to strengthen relationships with stakeholders within Ghana’s transport sector.
The Police Service said continued engagement with Okada riders would help address concerns affecting their operations while creating greater understanding between law enforcement and commercial motorbike operators.
Rather than relying solely on enforcement, the approach places greater emphasis on dialogue, education and cooperation.
ORAG Pledges Support for Road Safety
The President of the Okada Riders Association of Ghana, Michael Kofi Owusu, welcomed the engagement and expressed the Association’s willingness to work closely with the Police Service.
He said ORAG was prepared to support initiatives aimed at improving the operations of its members, promoting road safety and helping combat crime.
The commitment could provide an opportunity for the Association to play a greater role in encouraging its members to comply with traffic laws.
IGP Assures Riders of Continued Engagement
Mr Yohuno assured the riders that the Police Administration would continue engaging the Association to better understand and address their concerns.
He said sustained cooperation between the Police and Okada riders would be important in promoting responsible riding and contributing to safer communities.
The meeting therefore ended with both sides expressing a willingness to strengthen their relationship and work together on issues affecting commercial motorbike operations.
African360 Analysis: Can Better Cooperation Make Ghana’s Roads Safer?
Okada riders have become an important part of Ghana’s transport system, particularly in areas where conventional public transport may not always provide convenient or quick mobility.
But with increased use of commercial motorbikes comes a corresponding responsibility for riders, passengers, associations and authorities to prioritise safety.
Training is particularly important.
A rider who understands defensive riding, speed management, road signs, motorcycle maintenance and how to respond to dangerous situations is better equipped to protect both passengers and other road users.
At the same time, riders need clear information about their legal obligations, while enforcement agencies must apply traffic regulations consistently.
The Police-ORAG engagement therefore has significance beyond one meeting.
If regular dialogue is followed by practical training, proper registration, safety education and effective enforcement, it could help build a more responsible commercial motorbike sector.
The ultimate goal should be straightforward:
Fewer crashes, safer riders, safer passengers and safer roads for everyone.
