The Minority Caucus in parliament has called on the Minister of Transport to withdraw the proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180), due to public sentiment.
The amendments, laid before Parliament on June 14, 2024, have drawn widespread criticism for provisions that would allow certain public officials, including Ministers of State and Members of Parliament, to use sirens on the road and not be liable for exceeding speed limits.
The Minority Caucus emphasized that while the broader purpose of the regulations is to update the Road Traffic Regulations regarding the registration and licensing of motor vehicles, the specific privileges for public officials are unacceptable to the public.
The opposition bloc has therefore taken a firm stance against these controversial provisions.
“The report of the Subsidiary Legislation Committee is yet to be debated on the floor. However, given the public sentiments, the NDC Minority Caucus wishes to make it abundantly clear that we stand with the Ghanaian public on this issue and oppose the amendment without any reservations,” the Caucus stated.
All NDC members on the Subsidiary Legislation Committee have been instructed to strongly oppose the amendment at the committee level.
Additionally, the Caucus has directed all 137 NDC Members of Parliament to vote against the Legislative Instrument when it is brought to the floor.
The Bureau of Public Safety had recently criticized the move, citing the lack of stringent road safety measures and highlighting the urgency for comprehensive reforms to address road safety rather than granting exemptions to officials.
The Minority Caucus further urged the government to focus on pressing issues affecting Ghanaians, such as the high cost of living, food inflation, unemployment, high fuel costs, the depreciation of the cedi, and a high tax regime that is driving businesses to relocate to neighbouring West African countries.
In their concluding remarks, the Minority Caucus called on the Minister of Transport to withdraw the Legislative Instrument before it matures into law after 21 sitting days, stressing the need for regulations that prioritize the safety and well-being of all citizens rather than privileges for a select few.
