The recent Legislative Instrument (L.I) laid before parliament by the Ministry of Transport is a brazen affront to the principles of democracy and equality.
The proposed amendment to the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 seeks to grant Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers of State the privilege of using sirens and driving without speed limits, previously reserved for emergency and specialised vehicles. This move is not only outrageous but also a stark reminder of the disconnect between our leaders and the people they serve.
In a country where the average citizen struggles to make ends meet, where our roads are plagued by potholes and traffic congestion, and where the justice system is often skewed against the ordinary person, it is nothing short of wickedness to grant such privileges to those who are supposed to be servants of the people. The message this sends is clear: our leaders are above the law, and their comfort and convenience supersede the needs and safety of the citizens they represent.
This is not democracy; this is a dictatorship of the elite. In developed countries, such privileges are not bestowed upon lawmakers and ministers. They are not above the law; they are subject to the same rules and regulations as everyone else. But in Ghana, it seems our leaders are hell-bent on perpetuating a culture of entitlement and impunity.
The argument that MPs and Ministers need sirens to navigate through traffic congestion is a flimsy excuse. If our roads were well-maintained and traffic management was efficient, there would be no need for sirens. Moreover, if our leaders were truly concerned about the welfare of the people, they would be working to improve our transportation infrastructure, not seeking to elevate themselves above the law.
This L.I is a slap in the face of democracy, and we must reject it with all our might. We must not allow our leaders to perpetuate this culture of entitlement and impunity. We must demand that our leaders serve the people, not themselves. The President and emergency services should be the only ones granted such privileges, not MPs and Ministers who are supposed to be public servants.
Let us rise up and demand that our leaders do what is right. Let us reject this L.I and demand a better Ghana for all, not just the privileged few.
This L.I. is a slap in the face of the average Ghanaian, who struggles daily with the realities of poor infrastructure and traffic congestion. It is a blatant disregard for the needs and challenges faced by the majority of our citizens.
The proposed L.I. is a stark reminder that true democracy remains elusive in our country. As long as our leaders continue to seek privileges and entitlements that set them apart from the people they serve, we will never achieve the just and equitable society we deserve. It is time for us to stand up and demand a government that truly represents the interests of all Ghanaians, not just the privileged few.