The founder and President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe has raised concerns after the Ministry of Transport submitted a Legislative Instrument (L.I) to Parliament, seeking to amend portions of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012.
The proposed changes, if passed, will grant Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers of State privileges that were previously reserved for emergency and specialised vehicles.
The amendment to Regulation 74 of LI 2180 will allow the installation of sirens or bells as warning appliances on specific classes of vehicles, including those owned by justices of the Supreme Court, MPs, and Ministers of State.
Mr Cudjoe, said that the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) seeking to exempt parliamentarians from traffic regulations and allow them to drive without speed limits is misguided.
According to him, most roads in the country are in a bad state, making such preferential treatment pointless.
Mr. Cudjoe also says the arguments supporting the use of this L.I. are baseless.
Speaking on the JoyNews AM show, Mr. Cudjoe stated, “It does not make sense. I do not think this L. I should actually pass. If they try passing it, I am sure many people will rise up against it”.
The IMANI President said that it started with the executive using sirens, followed by the Chief Justice, judges, and now Members of Parliament.
He cautioned that soon, assemblymen and others would request the same privileges, making it absurd.
Mr Cudjoe noted that three years ago, President Akufo-Addo issued a directive that no minister or MP should use a siren at all.
“So, what changed? I am surprised what actually changed—that all of a sudden, we should accord our dear honourables the opportunity to speed without limit on these bad roads. It is even a danger to them. Isn’t it” he stated.
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