Social Trends: Ghana’s Controversial VIP Siren Bill Withdrawn

The Ghanaian government has withdrawn a controversial Legislative Instrument (LI) that would have allowed Members of Parliament, Ministers, and Judges to use sirens and drive without adhering to speed limits.

This decision came after significant public backlash and opposition from the Minority Caucus in Parliament.

Minority demands withdrawal of Legislative Instrument seeking to give MPs the right to use sirens and drive without speed limits…#GHOneNews #GHOneTV pic.twitter.com/Rtezj53deB

— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) July 16, 2024

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin denied any knowledge of the proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180), which would have permitted such privileges.

Read Also: Supreme Court grants AG’s request for live coverage of anti-LGBTQ bill proceedings

I thought those of us totally at sea about this supposed L.I. on sirens and no speed limits missed the ball in Parliament but it is reassuring to hear the Speaker of Parliament deny knowledge of the controversial L.I.

I hope the Speaker will launch an investigation into this… https://t.co/zCtiL565bg

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) July 16, 2024

The withdrawal of the LI was announced by Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asiamah.

L.I. to allow MPs & Ministers to use sirens & drive above speed limits.

I asked Dr. Dominic Ayine why MPs and Ministers can’t just set off early like we all do to avoid getting caught in traffic?

Watch his answer below 👇 pic.twitter.com/yNZnRTQf8X

— Kafui Dey (@KafuiDey) July 15, 2024