OkadaMotto App launch ushers in new era for Ghana’s ride-hailing sector
Ghana’s ride-hailing industry has taken a major step forward with the official launch of the OkadaMotto mobile application at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
The indigenous app, designed to bring professionalism, convenience, and safety to the motorcycle transport sector, was unveiled at an event attended by government officials, transport stakeholders, and public figures on May 29 in ACcra.
Under the theme “Powering the Streets, Fueling the Future,” the event highlighted the app’s ambition to provide fast, secure, and efficient transportation for Ghanaians, while improving the image and conditions of work for motor riders, popularly known as Okada riders.
Speaking at the launch, Ras Mubarak, former Member of Parliament for Kumbungu and a founding partner of the OkadaMotto initiative, described the app as a proudly Ghanaian innovation that aims to give Ghanaians control over their own transport economy. He urged riders to maintain high standards of professionalism and responsibility in their operations.
“This App, as you all know, is not like other apps such as Yango and Uber, which are foreign companies. When they generate profits, they send them back to their home countries. Ask them: how many of them have even invested in Ghana?” he asked.
Mr Mubarak called on the public to rally behind the locally built app, stressing that “we can gain a portion of the profits and reinvest those resources in our people here.” He revealed that as the system evolves, the service will gradually expand from motorcycles to cars, offering greater business opportunities for both drivers and riders.
The Mayor of Accra also addressed the gathering, calling for greater discipline among riders and encouraging them to obey traffic regulations to help make the roads safer. He expressed hope that the OkadaMotto platform would lead to a more orderly and efficient transportation system in the capital and beyond.
The CEO of Okadamotto, Dr Mohammed Sumaila, praised the initiative, noting that it would restore dignity to motorbike riders and promote respect for the profession.
“No longer will we refer to someone merely as an Okada rider; now, you are here in your uniform, equipped with a helmet, and most of you possess your licences, making you professionals in your field,” he said.
Osman Ayariga, CEO of the Youth Authority, also pledged his agency’s support to train as many riders as possible to improve their skills and enhance safety.
The launch attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including former Black Stars player Majeed Waris, and representatives from telecommunications and ride-hailing platforms such as AirtelTigo and Yango. Their presence signalled growing interest in the sector and potential opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.
The OkadaMotto app, already operational in Liberia and Sierra Leone, is headquartered in Ghana and available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store. With its focus on technology, safety, and community empowerment, the app aims to redefine how Ghanaians move, offering a local solution to a growing transportation need.