Road Safety Civil Society Network condemns attempt to withdraw road traffic (Amendment) regulation for second time

The Civil Society Network on Road Safety expresses deep concern over the sentiments of some Members of Parliament to muster a two-thirds majority vote to revoke the Road Traffic (Amendment) Regulation 2024, (LI 2478), which was re-laid on the 3^rd September, 2024.

The Network is particularly disheartened by the reasoning behind these sentiments, which centers on the demand to include official vehicles of the Chief Justice and Speaker of Parliament among those permitted to use sirens as warning devices.

This push for a second withdrawal is deeply disappointing to the Network, especially as both sides of the House of Parliament supported the initial withdrawal following public outcry.

We strongly hold the view that any attempt by individuals or groups to suggest a second withdrawal of the re-laid Legislative Instrument (LI) should be viewed as an effort to undermine the LI, which has undergone rigorous administrative review processes, including nationwide stakeholder engagement and consultations spanning eight years.

Previously, the LI spent 17 days in Parliament, from July to August 2024, just shy of the required 21 days for it to become law. The implications of further delays are significant, as the LI’s critical provisions aimed at addressing emerging challenges in road transport are essential to combat the rising trends in road traffic crashes and casualties in the country. Any further delays will push the implementation of these crucial measures to next year, hindering progress in road safety. Some of these measures include:

1. New regulations for the removal of disabled vehicles otherwise known as towing to replace the existing one that requested every vehicle owner to pay a “road safety fee/levy which also received public uproar.
2. Introduction of traffic enforcement camera technology to automate enforcement of road traffic laws and regulations
3. New provisions to regulate emerging trends in vehicle construction and use, such as electric vehicles, self-drive vehicles, emergency exits for buses, and ride-hailing services (uber, bolt, yango, etc)

On the issue of including the Chief Justice and the Speaker of Parliament in the new LI, the Civil Society Network on Road Safety would like to emphasize that the Ghana Police Service has a longstanding responsibility to provide motorcade services for high-profile public officials, including the President, Vice President, Speaker of Parliament, Chief Justice, and others, to ensure their safety and security.

The Police Service has a statutory duty to precede the movement of these officials, and has consistently carried out this task with excellence. For instance, the Speaker of Parliament and the Chief Justice have dedicated police motorcycles and riders attached to their offices. Similarly, Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives, and certain high-ranking officials, including heads of public institutions and chief executives, have police officers assigned to them for their safety and security. Additionally, the Inspector-General of Police occasionally assigns police officers to escort private individuals through traffic and to various destinations. These practices cannot be codified or explicitly stated in the Road Traffic Regulations.

The Group urges all Ghanaians, particularly road safety advocates and anyone with a vested interest in public safety, to voice their opposition to the proposed second withdrawal of the Legislative Instrument (LI). By speaking out, we can prevent unnecessary delays in Parliament and allow the LI to complete its 21-day maturity period unchecked, ultimately becoming law. We must collectively advocate for the swift passage of this crucial legislation to enhance road safety in our country.

Safety on our roads should be and remain paramount in Ghana, we as a people cannot afford to see our citizens perish on our roads through preventable crashes which the LI seeks to address.

We reiterate our unwavering support for the legislative amendment process and urge Parliament to exercise prudent judgment in its consideration of withdrawing the Legislative Instrument (LI) for a second time. We implore Parliament to make a thoughtful decision that prioritizes the greater good of road safety in our country.

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