The Ashanti Regional Youth Pragyia Association has strongly opposed the proposed 25 age limit for commercial tricycle operators in the new Legislative Instrument (LI) aimed at amending the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012.
The provision to prohibit operations without belonging to a recognised union and require riders to be at least 25 years of age is part of the new Legislative Instrument (LI) being drafted to amend the existing Road Traffic Regulations.
Concerns over Unemployment
The President of the Association, Alhassan Nurudeen, believes the age limit will lead to mass unemployment among youth in the Ashanti region, where over 10,000 young people, mostly under 25, rely on commercial tricycle operations for their livelihood.
In an interview on Otec FM’s morning show ‘Nyansapo,’ hosted by Isaac Osei Akoto on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, he argues that “this industry has provided a vital source of income for many young individuals who previously struggled to find employment.”
Impact on Crime Reduction
Alhanssan Nurudeen stated that the commercial tricycle operations have also been credited with reducing crime rates in the region by providing an alternative means of livelihood for young people.
“The pragyia industry’s growth has helped minimize the involvement of youth in illicit activities,” he emphasized.
Proposed Requirements for Commercial Tricycle Operators
Under the proposed amendments under the new Legislative Instrument (LI) being drafted to amend the existing one, Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (Legislative Instrument 2180), only 25-year-olds and above can ride.
Under the draft LI, persons willing to operate a commercial motorcycle or tricycle, popularly known as ‘okada, ’ can only do so if they belong to a recognised tricycle transport union.
In the new proposed LI, it will become mandatory for ‘okada’ and tricycle operators to be at least 25 years old, possess a valid national ID, and have a commercial rider’s licence issued by the DVLA.
The person must pass a proficiency test (including oral, theory, and eye exams), undergo training, be assigned a unique yellow license plate, and wear a certified protective helmet with a unique number, among others.
Speaking at a national stakeholder consultation in Accra on Monday, April 7, 2025, on a draft LI 2180, the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, said the government was introducing a new LI to enhance the monitoring of commercial motorcycles and tricycles.
Call for Reconsideration
Alhassan Nurudeen has appealed to the Transport Ministry to reconsider the age limit, citing concerns about the potential impact on the livelihoods of thousands of young people in the Ashanti region.
