The Minister of Transportation, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, is under pressure from the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) to revoke the bill exempting ministers and members of parliament from speed limits right away.
The Road Regulations Act LI 2180 was amended and subsequently placed before Parliament, a move that has alarmed BPS.
The BPS expressed concern in a statement dated Sunday, July 14 on the growing number of speed limit exemptions and other authorizations given to state ministers and members of parliament.
The modification, according to the Bureau of Public Safety, also allows them to put alarms and sirens on their cars for official purposes.
According to BPS, permitting public officeholders to utilize these strobe lights, alarms, and sirens may cause confusion and perhaps cause delays in actual emergency responses, which could jeopardize public safety.
Furthermore, according to the Bureau of Public Safety, these exclusions put people at needless danger and can result in a rise in road accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
Thus, it has demanded that the Transport Minister take the Bill out of Parliament and remove all exclusions and permits before reintroducing it.
“Consequently, the BPS calls upon the Transport minister to withdraw the Bill from Parliament with immediate effect and, cause the wide exemptions and permissions to be expunged before relaying it.”
Additionally, the National Road Safety Authority has been requested by the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) to work with law enforcement organizations in order to counteract the growing usage of illegal sirens on motor vehicles around the nation.
The BPS has urged the government to give policies that support equality for all residents and advance public safety top priority.
“Additionally, the National Road Safety Authority, the state agency responsible for road safety, must collaborate with law enforcement agencies to curb the increasing use of illegal sirens on motor vehicles in the country.
“Furthermore, we urge the government to prioritise policies that enhance public safety, maintain equality, and uphold the integrity of our governance. Public office holders must lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to the rule of law, equality, and the safety of all citizens.”
