Local Government Minister Withdraws Controversial Legislative Instrument Granting VIP Road Privileges

The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, has formally withdrawn a contentious Legislative Instrument (L.I.) on behalf of the Minister for Transport. This L.I. proposed to allow Members of Parliament (MPs), judges, and ministers to use sirens and bypass speed limits while on official duty.

The amendment to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180) faced significant backlash from the public and strong opposition from the Minority Caucus in Parliament. Critics deemed the amendment unnecessary, especially in light of pressing national issues.

In a statement delivered on the floor of Parliament, Korsah acknowledged the widespread concerns, stating, “Mr. Speaker, I rise to move that the Road Traffic Regulation Amendment 2024, which was laid on Friday, June 14, 2024, be withdrawn. This has become necessary based on extensive engagement with leadership. Therefore, it is so withdrawn.”

The Minority Caucus, led by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, had been particularly vocal against the L.I., urging members to vote against it and calling for its immediate retraction. They emphasized that the government should prioritize critical issues such as high living costs, food inflation, unemployment, rising fuel prices, and the depreciation of the cedi.

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, also addressed the issue, expressing surprise at the proposal and stating, “There is nothing like that before Parliament. I thought something was being done behind my back, but all my directors confirmed they had not seen any such L.I.” He further clarified that Parliament lacks the constitutional authority to amend regulations, adding to the complexity surrounding the proposal.