In many developing countries, motorcycles are increasingly becoming the common means of transport especially among low-income urban dwellers and the poor. In the wake of the unsatisfactory state of affairs regarding public transport, private motorcycles have been a panacea to urban transport in Ghana. This paper examines the effects of motorcycle use on the social and economic development of Wa. The high incidence of motorcycle ownership presents both challenges as well as opportunities to improve livelihood, employment, transport innovation and investments. The increasing growth in the number of motorcycles has come to solve the mobility needs of many urban residents in the light of poor and inadequate public transport system. The phenomenon has come with its accompanying challenges like motorcycle accidents involving fatalities, environmental and public health concerns from the emissions and non-compliance to motor traffic regulations. It is imperative for transport authorities to enforce compliance with motor traffic law, improve road designs, adopt exhaust emission regulation standards and implement fiscal policies for clean and efficient new motorcycles.