The controversial Legislative Instrument (LI) aiming to amend segments of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 has been retracted in Parliament.
The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, rescinded the LI on behalf of the Transport Minister, highlighting significant public and stakeholder disapproval.
“The withdrawal became imperative following extensive consultations with leadership,” Mr Korsah articulated, adding, “Mr. Speaker, I would like to move that the Road Traffic Amendment 2024, which was laid on Friday, June 14, be withdrawn… it is so withdrawn.”
The Ministry of Transport had previously introduced the LI to Parliament, seeking to modify sections of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012.
The proposed amendments aimed to extend privileges, traditionally reserved for emergency and specialized vehicles, to Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers of State.
Specifically, the alteration to Regulation 74 of LI 2180 would permit the installation of sirens or bells as warning devices on vehicles owned by Supreme Court justices, MPs, and Ministers of State.
However, the proposition encountered substantial opposition from the public and the Parliamentary Minority. The Minority issued a press release urging the Transport Minister to retract the LI before it matured in 21 days and vowed to oppose it vigorously if it proceeded to the chamber.
“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 LI when it is brought to the floor,” the Minority’s statement declared.
Furthermore, the Minority called on the government to prioritize addressing critical national issues, including the high cost of living, escalating food inflation, rampant unemployment, soaring fuel prices, the depreciation of the cedi, and a stringent tax regime that is compelling businesses to relocate to neighboring West African countries.
