By Jibril Mumuni
Accra, May 12, GNA – Ghana has introduced new helmet standards for motorcyclists to reduce road crashes and fatalities as the country prepares to fully regulate commercial motorbike operations.
The standards, developed jointly by the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), were announced at a stakeholder meeting organised by the Legal Resources Centre (LRC) at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra.
Under the new regulations, riders and passengers must use certified full-face helmets that meet Ghana’s approved safety specifications.
The standards have been gazetted and form part of the amended Road Traffic Act and Legislative Instrument (LI 2180), which now permits motorcycles for commercial transport.
“Protective helmets can reduce the risk of death by about 40 per cent and the risk of injury by as much as 70 per cent,” said Dennis Yeribu, Deputy Director for Planning and Programming at the NRSA.
He urged riders to prioritise safety gear as enforcement begins.
The engagement with commercial motorbike riders in Accra was part of a nationwide campaign to sensitise riders on the new requirements, which also include licensing, insurance coverage and union registration.
Mr Yeribu said compliance could be hampered by the widespread sale of substandard helmets.
He stressed that public education and enforcement guided by law would be key to improving safety outcomes.
Mr Enock Jengre, Programme Officer for the LRC, said many helmets supplied with new motorcycles were half-face or poorly constructed and did not meet the standards.
He noted that Ghana lacked local capacity to produce compliant helmets and relied heavily on imports.
“This presents an immediate challenge because importers must align their products with Ghana’s specifications, while regulators must ensure strict enforcement at the ports.” Mr Jengre said.
He also cited the influx of substandard helmets through unapproved border routes and called for closer collaboration between the GSA, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and other agencies.
For a long-term solution, Mr Jengre advocated government support for private sector participation in local helmet production to boost compliance, create jobs and generate revenue.
Riders welcomed the initiative but raised concerns over the affordability and availability of certified helmets, as well as possible excesses during enforcement.
GNA
12 May 2026
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong