The controversial Legislative Instrument (LI) seeking to amend portions of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 has been withdrawn in Parliament.

The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, withdrew the LI on behalf of the Transport Minister, citing public and stakeholder concerns.

He added that “the withdrawal became necessary based on extensive engagement with leadership.”

He further announced, “Mr. Speaker, I would like to move that the Road Traffic Amendment 2024, which was laid on Friday, June 14, be withdrawn… it is so withdrawn.”

The Ministry of Transport had previously laid the LI before Parliament to amend portions of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012. If passed, it would grant Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers of State privileges typically reserved for emergency and specialized vehicles.

Specifically, the amendment to Regulation 74 of LI 2180 would allow sirens or bells to be fitted as warning appliances on certain vehicles, including those owned by Supreme Court justices, MPs, and Ministers of State.

However, the LI faced opposition from the public and the Minority in Parliament, who issued a press statement urging the Transport Minister to withdraw the LI before it matured in 21 days.

The Minority also pledged to vote against the LI if it reached the chamber.

“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 LI when it is brought to the floor,” the statement read.

The Minority further urged the government to focus on addressing critical issues facing Ghana, such as the high cost of living, food inflation, unemployment, high fuel costs, the depreciation of the cedi, and a high tax regime that is driving businesses to relocate to neighbouring West African countries.