Minority forces Majority to withdraw L.I to allow MPs right to use siren

The Minority in Parliament has forced the Majority in Parliament to withdraw the controversial Road Traffic (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (LI 2180), laid in Parliament on 14th June 2024.

The controversial LI was laid in Parliament about three weeks ago.

The new LI has also been met with huge public condemnation.

However, in responding to the controversial LI in Parliament, the Transport Minister, Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah disclosed that the government has decided to withdraw the LI.

According to him, the decision is to allow for the government to have broader consultations from stakeholders.

“Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise to move that the Road Traffic Amendment Regulation 2024, which was laid on Friday, 14 June 2024, be withdrawn.

“Mr. Speaker, this has become necessary based on extensive engagement with leadership. It is so withdrawn, Mr. Speaker. Thank you”, he added.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority side emphasized that there are issues such as high cost of living, food inflation, unemployment, high cost of fuel to deal with and not siren.

“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”.

Source: Today.com.gh