#SONA2025: Government to legalise commercial Okada operations, expand rail and air transport

Ghana is set to amend its traffic and transport laws to legalise commercial motorcycle operations, popularly known as Okada, as part of efforts to create jobs and improve urban mobility.

President John Dramani Mahama made the announcement on Thursday, February 27 2025 during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament, stating that his administration would introduce a structured approach to regulate the sector.

According to Mr Mahama, the government will implement a four-point plan covering licensing, rider training, safety enforcement, and digital tracking to curb reckless riding and reduce road accidents.

 “We cannot ignore the reality, Okada is a source of livelihood for thousands of young people. Our plan is to formalise and regulate it, not criminalise it,” he said.

The decision to legalise Okada has sparked debate in recent years, with opponents citing safety concerns. Mr Mahama assured lawmakers that strict regulations would be in place to maintain order on the roads.

The proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Act are expected to be presented to Parliament in the coming months.

Reviving the national airline and expanding rail transport

In addition to the Okada reforms, Mr Mahama outlined plans to revive Ghana’s national airline and expand the country’s railway and coastal transport networks.

He said a national airline would boost Ghana’s position as a regional aviation hub while improving travel for business and leisure. The initiative comes after the collapse of Ghana Airways in 2004 and the short-lived operations of Ghana International Airlines, which folded in 2010.

"A reliable national airline is not just about convenience; it strengthens our economy and connects us to the world on our own terms,” he noted.

On rail transport, Mr Mahama said his government would prioritise the expansion of railway lines along major commercial routes, including the Western, Eastern, and Central corridors. He added that investments in coastal transport would ease pressure on roads and improve connectivity for fishing and trade-dependent communities.

The transport projects, he said, would be funded through a mix of public-private partnerships, foreign investment, and government allocations.