Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has apologized to Ghanaians for the government’s attempt to amend the Road Traffic Regulations, which would have allowed Members of Parliament (MPs) and state officials to use sirens and be exempt from speed limits.
The proposed amendment sparked public outrage, prompting Mr. Bagbin to initially deny any knowledge of the legislative instrument’s introduction in Parliament.
In a formal communication to the house on Monday, he acknowledged the controversy and expressed regret for the situation.
“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,” he stated.
Mr Bagbin also announced the implementation of new standing orders for a pre-laying process in the introduction of legislative instruments.
This process aims to ensure a thorough review before any instrument is officially laid in the house.
“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.”
“Recognising the importance of thorough scrutiny parliament has instituted a pre-laying process. This process mandates that the relevant person intending to lay the L. I or C. I engage with the subsidiary legislation committee for a comprehensive review before the instrument is officially laid before parliament,” he stated.