Critics Question Amaliba’s Push to Legalise Okada and “Oboyaa” Under Road Safety Reforms

The decision by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Road Safety Authority, Abraham Amaliba, to advance moves toward the legalisation of okada (commercial motorcycles) and oboyaa operations has sparked public debate and criticism, with some questioning the legality and intent behind the reforms.

Following the victory of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 general elections, Amaliba was appointed as CEO of the National Road Safety Authority. In that capacity, he has been at the centre of policy discussions aimed at regularising commercial motorcycle transport, which has long been prohibited under Ghana’s road traffic laws.

Critics argue that the approach being adopted amounts to breaking existing laws in order to later justify their legalisation, a move they describe as dangerous and misleading.

“Why should breaking the law be described as ‘filling a gap’?” a road safety advocate questioned. “If there is a gap in the law, the proper procedure is to amend it through Parliament, not to normalise illegality and later dress it up as reform.”

Concerns have also been raised about public safety and enforcement capacity, with opponents warning that legalising okada and oboyaa without robust structures could worsen road accidents, indiscipline, and congestion, particularly in urban centres.

Beyond road safety, critics have drawn attention to broader governance issues, comparing the situation to poor sanitation practices where refuse is collected from one community only to be dumped in another.

“You don’t solve problems by shifting them,” a critic noted. “Collecting refuse from one area and dumping it in another is not sanitation. In the same way, legalising lawlessness is not reform.”

While supporters of the proposed reforms argue that legalising okada could create jobs and improve last-mile transportation, critics insist that economic benefits cannot outweigh safety risks and legal integrity.

They are calling on the National Road Safety Authority, under Amaliba’s leadership, to prioritise strict enforcement of existing laws, comprehensive stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based policymaking, rather than what they describe as politically motivated quick fixes.

The debate continues as Ghanaians await clarity on whether proposed changes will go through proper legislative processes or be implemented administratively.

This article was compiled by Nsemgh.