The Minority has demanded the withdrawal some amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations Act LI 2180, which have been laid before Parliament.
These amendments expand speed limit exemptions and other permissions to include all members of Parliament and ministers of state on our roads.
The regulations cover roads around schools, residential areas, hospital zones, parks, and recreational areas, among others.
Additionally, the amendment permits the installation of sirens and alarms on their vehicles for official use.
This aspect of the regulations has drawn huge public condemnation.
A press release signed by Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson called on the Transport Minister to immediately withdraw the said Legislative Instrument before it matures into law after 21 sitting days.
It further directed its members to vote against the Legislative Instrument.
The NDC Minority Caucus has taken note of the public sentiment expressed in respect of the proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180), which were laid in Parliament by the Hon. Minister of Transport on 14th June, 2024."
“We have instructed all our Members on the Committee to strongly oppose it at the committee level.
“We have also directed all 137 NDC Members of Parliament to vote en bloc against the Legislative Instrument when it is brought to the floor,” portions of the statement said.
Below is the full statement…
MINORITY URGES MINISTER OF TRANSPORT TO WITHDRAW CONTROVERSIAL ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS
The NDC Minority Caucus has taken note of the public sentiment expressed in respect of the proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180), which were laid in Parliament by the Hon. Minister of Transport on 14th June, 2024.
We understand that the broader purpose of the regulations was to bring the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180) up to speed on many matters relating to the registration and licensing of motor vehicles.
However, the Legislative Instrument also includes provisions granting certain public officials, including Ministers of State and Members of Parliament, the privilege to use sirens on the road and not be liable for exceeding speed limits. This aspect of the regulations has drawn huge public condemnation.
The report of the Subsidiary Legislation Committee is yet to be brought to the floor for debate and discussion. However, given the sentiments expressed so far, Members of the NDC Minority Caucus wish to make it abundantly clear that we stand with the Ghanaian public on this issue and wish to signal our opposition to the amendment without any reservations.
Therefore, we have instructed all our Members on the Committee to strongly oppose it at the committee level. We have also directed all 137 NDC Members of Parliament to vote en bloc against the Legislative Instrument when it is brought to the floor.
The government must redirect its attention to addressing the germain issues facing the people of Ghana at the moment such as high cost of living, food inflation, unemployment, high cost of fuel, the depreciation of the Cedi and the high tax regime which is forcing businesses to relocate to neighbouring countries in West Africa.
Finally, we call on the Minister of Transport to immediately withdraw the said Legislative Instrument before it matures into law after 21 sitting days.
CASSIEL ATO FORSON (Ph.D), MP
MINORITY LEADER
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