A prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has raised concerns about the proposed legislation that would grant preferential treatment to Members of Parliament (MPs) on Ghana’s roads.
In an exclusive interview with JoySports, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe expressed his dismay over the idea of MPs being allowed to use sirens and drive without speed limits. He questioned the necessity of such privileges, especially in light of the current confusion on the roads where even ordinary vehicles have sirens.
The Ministry of Transport had presented a Legislative Instrument (LI) to Parliament seeking to amend the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 to grant MPs and Ministers of State privileges usually reserved for emergency vehicles. The proposed amendment would allow sirens to be fitted on certain vehicles, including those owned by Supreme Court justices, MPs, and Ministers of State.
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe pointed out that even Chief Justices in the past did not require sirens to perform their duties and questioned the need for such privileges for MPs and High Court judges. He emphasized the need for a change in leadership, although he was uncertain about who would lead this change.
The controversial LI has since been withdrawn in Parliament, with the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development citing public and stakeholder concerns. The withdrawal was deemed necessary after extensive engagement with leadership.
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe also expressed doubts about the current NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and his running mate, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, winning in the upcoming elections. He believes that a genuine election will result in a change in leadership.
The withdrawal of the LI has been met with mixed reactions, with critics describing the proposed privileges for MPs and Ministers as a threat to democracy. The issue remains a point of contention among stakeholders and the public, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
