Minority Tells Transport Minister to Withdraw Legislative Instrument for Controversial Siren for MPs Ministers

MINORITY URGES MINISTER OF TRANSPORT TO WITHDRAW CONTROVERSIAL ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS

The NDC Minority Caucus has taken note of the public sentiment expressed in respect of the proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180), which were laid in Parliament by the Hon. Minister of Transport on 14th June, 2024.

We understand that the broader purpose of the regulations was to bring the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180) up to speed on many matters relating to the registration and licensing of motor vehicles.

However, the Legislative Instrument also includes provisions granting certain public officials, including Ministers of State and Members of Parliament, the privilege to use sirens on the road and not be liable for exceeding speed limits. This aspect of the regulations has drawn huge public condemnation.

The report of the Subsidiary Legislation Committee is yet to be brought to the floor for debate and discussion. However, given the sentiments expressed so far, Members of the NDC Minority Caucus wish to make it abundantly clear that we stand with the Ghanaian public on this issue and wish to signal our opposition to the amendment without any reservations.

Therefore, we have instructed all our Members on the Committee to strongly oppose it at the committee level. We have also directed all 137 NDC Members of Parliament to vote en bloc against the Legislative Instrument when it is brought to the floor.

The government must redirect its attention to addressing the germain issues facing the people of Ghana at the moment such as high cost of living, food inflation, unemployment, high cost of fuel, the depreciation of the Cedi and the high tax regime which is forcing businesses to relocate to neighbouring countries in West Africa.

Finally, we call on the Minister of Transport to immediately withdraw the said Legislative Instrument before it matures into law after 21 sitting days.

LI granting siren use rights to MPs, Ministers withdrawn

The controversial Legislative Instrument (LI) seeking to amend portions of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 has been withdrawn in Parliament.

The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, withdrew the LI on behalf of the Transport Minister, citing public and stakeholder concerns.

He added that "the withdrawal became essential based on extensive engagement with leadership."

He further announced, "Mr. Speaker, I would like to move that the Road Traffic Amended 2024, which was laid on Friday, June 14, be withdrawn... it is so withdrawn."
 
The Ministry of Transport had previously laid the LI before Parliament to amend portions of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012. If passed, it would grant Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers of State privileges typically reserved for emergency and specialized vehicles.