Police clamp down on siren abuse, arrest 19
In a decisive move to restore order on Ghana’s roads, the Central East Regional Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) has arrested 19 drivers during a targeted enforcement exercise against traffic violations. The operation, conducted on June 21, 2026, underscores a growing intolerance for reckless behaviours that endanger lives and undermine public safety—a reminder that traffic laws are not mere suggestions but vital protections for all road users.
The exercise, spanning key corridors such as the Kasoa–Winneba Highway and the Kasoa–Bawjiase Road, focused on four specific violations: the unauthorised use of sirens and strip lights, the installation of unapproved vehicle lamps, driving on road shoulders and verges, and related offences that compromise road integrity. The arrests breakdown reveals a troubling pattern: three drivers were caught abusing sirens and strip lights—often used to impersonate emergency vehicles and create undue advantage in traffic—ten for using unapproved lamps that cause glare and visual distortion, and six for driving on road shoulders, a practice that endangers cyclists, pedestrians, and roadside workers while accelerating pavement deterioration.
During the operation at Krispo City Traffic Light and Kasoa New Market, police personnel not only apprehended offenders but also seized the offending equipment, issuing on-the-spot warnings about the legal consequences of repeat violations. As a statement from the Central East Regional Police Command emphasised, “This exercise was not about punishment alone. It was about sensitising motorists, cautioning them against harmful habits, and removing the tools that enable reckless behaviour.” The police further clarified that the unauthorised sirens, strip lights, and lamps were removed and retained for forensic analysis and potential prosecution, sending a clear signal that such modifications will not be tolerated under any circumstance.
The operation reflects a broader, data-driven strategy to promote discipline and safety through sustained enforcement, targeted public education, and community engagement. By focusing on specific, high-risk violations—particularly those that create noise pollution, visual distractions, or physical hazards—the MTTD aims to reduce accident rates, improve traffic flow, and foster a culture of compliance with road traffic regulations. Preliminary data from the exercise indicates a noticeable decrease in reported incidents of siren abuse in the Kasoa corridor during the hours following the operation, suggesting an immediate deterrent effect.
This crackdown comes amid growing national concerns over road safety in Ghana. According to the National Road Safety Authority, traffic accidents remain a leading cause of death and injury, with unauthorised sirens contributing to confusion during genuine emergencies, as drivers struggle to distinguish between authentic and faux emergency vehicles. Strip lights and unapproved lamps exacerbate night-time glare, increasing the risk of collisions, while encroachment on road shoulders compromises space for vulnerable road users and hinders emergency vehicle maneuverability. The World Health Organization estimates that road traffic injuries cost Ghana approximately 1.6% of its GDP annually—a burden that disproportionately affects the poor and economically active populations.
The exercise mirrors recent police actions against other forms of unlawful behaviour, such as the [warehouse robbery suspects apprehended in Tema earlier this year](/police-arrest-six-suspects-over-warehouse-robberies), where coordinated patrols and intelligence-led operations dismantled a criminal network threatening commercial stability. Both operations demonstrate the police’s commitment to upholding the law through proactive, visible policing—whether on the highways or in industrial zones—reinforcing the principle that safety is a shared responsibility requiring vigilance from both authorities and citizens.
As the Central East Regional Police Command advised in its public advisory, motorists must comply with road traffic regulations, refrain from practices that endanger others, and recognise that the privilege of driving comes with the duty to ensure the safety of all road users. The message is simple yet profound: safety is not accidental; it is cultivated through consistent enforcement, public awareness, and a collective respect for the rules that protect us. In a nation striving for middle-income status, investing in road safety is not just a moral imperative—it is an economic necessity.
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