Ghana: Speaker Apologises Over Withdrawn Road Traffic L.I. On MPs Use of Sirens

29 July 2024
The Accra Times (Accra)
By Gifty Danso

The proposed legislation had it been approved would have amended the Road Traffic regulations, allowing MPs, Ministers, and judges to use sirens in traffic and drive without speed limits

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has publicly apologized after a proposed Legislative Instrument (L.I.) which sought to exempt MPs, and Ministers from traffic congestion was withdrawn two weeks ago after a public outcry.

"Following the oppositions, firm stance against the L.I, the government has decided to withdraw the proposed amendments...We recognise the public perception of insensitivity and I am here to offer an apology and assure the Ghanaian people that this parliament remains acutely aware of and responsive to their needs," Bagbin said when Parliamentary proceedings began today.

House Speaker Bagbin while addressing a public concern on the the now withdrawn road traffic LI has apologised to Ghanaians for the "insensitivity" displayed by the political class when it first introduced the said LI to allow MPs, JSCs to use sirens in the streets. #GhParliament-- Odekro (@odekro) July 29, 2024

The proposed legislation had it been approved would have amended the Road Traffic regulations, allowing MPs, Ministers, and judges to use sirens in traffic and drive without speed limits.

Some MPs had tried to justify the move, but the public fought back in opposition.

Just like Ghanaians got MPs to 'Drop that Chamber' in July 2019, we must force them to 'Suspend the Siren Bill.'If you have official duties, plan your itinerary and leave home early. In Europe, some MPs use bicycles.Hon. MP, you're a public servant, NOT an Arabian monarch!!!-- Mirpuri (@InterBoyTM) July 16, 2024

Read the original article on Accra Times.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2024 The Accra Times. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.