Accra: The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service has impounded about 6,000 vehicles and confiscated hundreds of illegal sirens, beacon lights, and other unauthorized lighting devices as part of a nationwide enforcement exercise to improve road safety.
According to Ghana Web, the Director of Education, Research, and Training at the MTTD, ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, discussed the operation during an interview on Citi News Digest. He stated that the month-long exercise is being conducted across all 25 police regions and has exposed the widespread misuse of sirens, strobe lights, and beacon lamps by drivers.
"We have intercepted about 6,000 vehicles from which sirens, beacon lights, and other unlawful lamps have been seized. About 700 of these are strobes or sirens, and that tells you the magnitude of the problem," ACP Obeng said.
He emphasized the importance of sustaining the operation, noting that enforcement efforts have been extended to divisional commands to increase coverage. ACP Obeng also warned motorists against purchasing or installing unauthorized sirens, beacon lights, and strobe lamps, as police officers will continue to monitor major highways and roads across the country.
"This exercise has become part of our daily operations. Whoever intends to buy another lamp, procure strobe lights, beacon lights, or sirens should know that we are ever-present. We will meet you on the N1, N2, N4, N8, N9, N10, and N12 and across all the 16 regions and 25 police regions," he warned.
The operation aims to enforce road traffic regulations and also to reduce noise pollution and improve visibility for road users, especially during night-time travel. Motorists found with illegal devices have been issued verbal or written warnings, and the prohibited equipment has been confiscated.
"All these strobe lights and sirens have been seized from them with either a verbal warning or written warning letters with the hope that they do not commit the offence again. So far, it has been warning, warning, warning, and seizures," ACP Obeng noted.
He reported that the exercise is already having positive effects, with increased compliance, quieter roads, and improved visibility during night travel. However, he stressed that the period of warnings will not last indefinitely, cautioning that repeat offenders will face prosecution.
Motorists who continue to violate the regulations after being warned could be arraigned before the courts and prosecuted under the country's road traffic laws. ACP Obeng indicated that those found guilty could face fines ranging from GHS300 to GHS600, a prison sentence of up to 30 days, or other sanctions as prescribed by law.