The Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has rendered an unqualified apology to Ghanaians over the introduction of the Road Traffic Regulations Amendment 2024 (LI).
The Speaker made the apology in Parliament on Monday, July 29, 2024, following the withdrawal of the amendment.
He acknowledged that the introduction of the amendment had caused inconvenience and concerns among the public.
Mr. Bagbin assured Ghanaians that Parliament would ensure that any future amendments would be thoroughly scrutinized and consulted upon to avoid similar situations.
“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.
“Parliament has empowered the subsidiary legislative committee with a critical mandate. The committee’s responsibilities are set out under order 220. Include one, that proposed subsidiary legislation aligns with the constitution, Acts of Parliament and other laws. Two, detecting any potential inconsistencies, ambiguities or concerns in the proposed legislation and three offering inputs and recommendations to refine and improve the proposed legislation,” he added.
The Road Traffic (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 legal instrument (L.I.) was to grant privileges to certain officials of the state to use sirens or bells as warning appliances on specific classes of vehicles
The amendment, which was met with massive backlash from Ghanaians and the minority caucus, was part of the L. I on Road Traffic Regulations Amendment was later withdrawn.
