The government has directed the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission (PCSRC) to launch a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed and unregulated courier services starting April 1, 2026.
The directive follows the launch of the Integrated Courier and Logistics Management System–Ghana (ICOLMS-Ghana), a digital platform designed to regulate the courier and logistics sector and support the growth of Ghana’s e-commerce ecosystem.
The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, announced the move at the platform’s launch on Thursday, March 12.
He noted that sector players no longer have an excuse, following an earlier intervention in August 2025 that temporarily halted enforcement actions. The Minister said players now have a 19-day grace period to register and onboard onto the ICOLMS-Ghana platform before nationwide enforcement begins.
“Once we have launched the ICOLMS today, the grace period runs from today [March 12] until March 31, 2026. This gives you exactly 19 days, whether you are a company or a single biker, to register on the ICOLMS-Ghana platform.
“All existing courier companies have that same period to onboard and integrate their systems with the ICOLMS digital platform. If you fail to do that, it will attract regulatory sanctions.
“Enforcement with the Ghana Police Service will start on April 1, 2026, and there will be no moratorium. There will be no excuses. I will not intervene, I make a solemn pledge,” he said.
In August 2025, Communications Minister Sam George ordered an immediate suspension of enforcement actions against unlicensed delivery riders in Accra and other parts of the country.
The directive halted a joint operation by the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission (PCSRC) and the Ghana Police, which had been seizing motorcycles used for courier services without proper licences.
George, who also oversees the Ministry of Digital Technology and Innovation, said on Thursday that while the exercise was consistent with existing laws, it lacked adequate consultation and public education.
“We must enforce the law with a humane face,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, adding that he would meet stakeholders in the coming days to design a roadmap for implementation.
The move came hours after footage circulated online showing scuffles between riders and PCSRC officials near the National Theatre in Accra.
The clashes followed the confiscation of dozens of motorbikes, sparking anger among riders who rely on delivery work for their livelihoods.
The riders, who staged a protest at the premises of Asaase Radio in Cantonments, Accra, argued that the policy threatens their already precarious livelihoods.
“We are not against regulation, but this new fee is simply not practical,” said Ankamah Nana Yaw Barimah Ebenezer, leader of the okada riders’ group.
“Every rider already pays 5% of each delivery to fleet partners like FH and Express Street Fleet. That money covers insurance, compliance, and registration. Why should we pay another GHC1,070 on top of that?” the group leader asked
Authorities maintain that licensing is necessary to bring order to the use of motorcycles for courier services.
However, the suspension is expected to ease tensions as discussions continue on how to regulate the fast-growing delivery sector without disrupting jobs.
