President John Dramani Mahama revealed has announced that commercial motorbike riders, commonly known as Okada operators, will soon have the opportunity to use electric motorbikes through a hire-purchase scheme, aimed at lowering fuel costs and increasing their income.
He made this known during his State of the Nation Address (SONA2025) in Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
“To help our young Okada riders, we will introduce electric motorbikes on a hire-purchase basis. This will eliminate petrol costs and make their businesses more profitable,” he said.
The initiative will be rolled out in collaboration with the Youth Development and Interior Ministries. These ministries will also provide training for the riders, covering topics such as road safety, financial literacy, and digital skills.
Mr. Mahama explained that transitioning to electric motorbikes would not only reduce costs for operators but also support Ghana’s green energy goals by decreasing petrol consumption.
“We understand how important the Okada business is for creating jobs for young people and meeting the transportation needs of Ghanaians. This move will enhance safety, sustainability, and profitability,” he added.
