Bagbin directs MPs to stop using unauthorised police escorts, sirens

Speaker Alban Bagbin has directed Members of Parliament to immediately stop misusing police escorts and sirens, warning against any conduct that violates road safety regulations.

The Speaker noted that the indiscriminate installation and use of sirens undermine public confidence in lawful authority and reduce the effectiveness of emergency and security services that rely on priority access to respond to critical situations.

Cabinet has prohibited the installation or use of sirens on both private and public vehicles without proper authorisation, with the Police tasked with removing unauthorised sirens and ending the provision of unauthorised police escort services.

Speaker Bagbin has instructed all legislators to strictly comply with the directive.

 “Accordingly, I encourage all Members of Parliament to take note of the content of the directive and to ensure that in the use of police resources, police escort services and sirens, members at all times in accordance with the constitution, the laws of Ghana and all lawful administrative requirements.

“I encouraged honourable members who may require clarification regarding the application of the directive in particular circumstances to seek the appropriate guidance through the established institutional channels for compliance and accordance with law,” the Speaker noted.

According to the Speaker, the indiscriminate installation and use of sirens undermine road safety, weaken public confidence in lawful authority and diminish the effectiveness of emergency and security services whose operations genuinely require priority access.

Alban Bagbin said his office will continue to engage constructively with the Executive, the Ghana Police Service and all relevant state institutions on matters affecting security operations, the privileges of Members of Parliament and the independence of Parliament with a view to strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions and advancing the public interest.