The Ghana Police Service has embarked on nationwide operations on the country’s roads, targeting the unauthorized use of sirens and strobe lights by drivers and vehicle owners.

The vigorous exercise aims at reducing road traffic crashes that lead to deaths and injuries.

This nationwide police enforcement and compliance task was announced by the Director of Education, Research and Training of the Police MTTD, ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, in an interview with Okogyeabour Ocran during his maiden appearance on the Oyerepa Breakfast Show.

Pursuant to Regulation 74 of L.I. 2180, the use of sirens and strobe lights is limited to a certain class of vehicles, such as those used by Heads of State on official duties, the Police, ambulances operated by hospitals or clinics, bullion vans registered by the DVLA, and other state-recognised security agencies.

This regulation has been flagrantly abused by some individuals who have attained social recognition through wealth and popularity, including men of God, traditional rulers, businessmen, politicians, and other groups within society.

According to ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, the police are highly visible on the roads to ensure that sirens and strobe lights are used only by vehicles permitted under the laws of Ghana.

He further stated that officers have been tasked by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to dismantle such gadgets from unauthorized vehicles and record details of offending drivers.

He added that the police have so far arrested and dismantled 1,116 vehicles found to be illegally using sirens.

Providing data and statistics, he noted that the Greater Accra Region tops the list, followed by the Ashanti Region.

The enforcement and compliance operations, according to ACP Obeng, will not shield anyone found culpable, and any form of influence or interference from chiefs or politicians will not be entertained.

Touching on Regulation 65 of Ghana’s Road Traffic Regulations (L.I. 2180, 2012), he explained that it is illegal to install lights on any part of a vehicle in an unauthorized manner.

According to him, it is illegal to fix lights on the roof of a vehicle or above the base of the vehicle’s windscreen.

He advised drivers who have already installed such lights to remove them before they are caught in the police’s enforcement net.

On the availability of sirens and strobe lights on the market, he noted that while it is not illegal to import such equipment, their use is restricted to individuals and institutions authorized by law.

Story: Okogyeabour Ocran