Minister withdraws LI granting siren use right to Ministers, MPs

The contentious Legislative Instrument (LI) aimed at amending parts of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 has been withdrawn from Parliament.

Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, retracted the LI on behalf of the Transport Minister due to feedback from the public and various stakeholders.

He indicated that the withdrawal was necessary following extensive discussions with leadership.

The LI was introduced by the Ministry of Transport to Parliament to amend sections of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012. 

It would have been expected to grant Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers of State the same privileges as emergency and specialized vehicles if it had gone through.

The proposed amendment to Regulation 74 of LI 2180 would have also allowed the installation of sirens or bells on certain vehicles, including those owned by Supreme Court justices, MPs, and Ministers of State.

The LI however encountered resistance from the public and the Minority in Parliament, who issued a press release calling for the Transport Minister to withdraw the LI before it became law in 21 days.

The Minority also vowed to oppose the LI if it was brought to a vote in the chamber.

"We have instructed all our Members on the Committee to vehemently oppose it at the committee level. We have also directed all 137 NDC Members of Parliament to vote collectively against the LI when it reaches the floor," the statement read.