Okada Riders Kick Against New Law Banning Riders Under 25: We Will Resist It — PRO Warns Government

 

The Okada Riders Association of Ghana has voiced fierce opposition to a newly introduced law that restricts persons under the age of 25 from engaging in commercial motorcycle operations.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on GHOne TV the association’s Public Relations Officer Solomon Akpanaba described the legislation as illogical and discriminatory, warning the government to reverse the decision or face serious legal and political consequences.

According to Akpanaba the controversial law was drafted and passed without adequate stakeholder consultation. He expressed frustration over the fact that the 13-member committee responsible for shaping the policy failed to engage representatives from the Okada Riders Association — a key stakeholder group.

We knew these things would happen once the 13-member committee failed to involve us. They seem to have lost their logical reasoning in bringing out this legislation, Akpanaba said.

The new regulation is part of broader efforts to regularize commercial motorcycle operations across the country. However, many Okada riders see the age restriction as arbitrary and unfair, especially when young Ghanaians aged 18 and above are already entrusted with civic responsibilities such as voting and even holding public office.

Why must someone who voted for John Mahama at 18 now be told by the same administration to wait until 25 before they can work legally as Okada riders? Akpanaba asked highlighting the contradiction in government policy.

The association has signaled its readiness to resist the law through every available means — from peaceful protests and legal action to political mobilization ahead of the next general elections.

If not, we will demonstrate we will take them to court we will curse them — not spiritually but when it comes to the next election, he added, stressing the community’s potential influence on voter outcomes.

Akpanaba also pushed back against the perception that Okada riders are uninformed or emotional in their response. He insisted that their opposition is grounded in data, experience and sound reasoning.

They shouldn’t insult our intelligence. We didn’t come here wearing coats and ties — we came with logic and scientific research. So, if they want respect, they should respect us too, he stated.

The new law has triggered widespread debate nationwide especially among young people who depend on Okada operations as a primary source of income. As tensions rise, many Ghanaians are calling on the government to review the legislation and engage all stakeholders to find a more inclusive and practical solution.