No automatic sirens for ministers under Ghana's new road privilege rules - Muntaka Mubarak

Ghana's government has introduced stricter controls on the use of sirens by public officials, with Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak saying political appointees will no longer be automatically entitled to the privilege.

The move forms part of a broader effort by the administration of President John Mahama to improve road discipline, enhance public safety and curb what officials describe as the misuse of state privileges.

Speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show on Tuesday June 23, Mr Mubarak said the installation and use of sirens on official vehicles would now require approval from the Office of the President.

Under the new arrangements, ministers and other government appointees seeking permission to use sirens must submit formal applications, which will be reviewed before a final decision is made by the presidency.

"The president has asked, including my colleague ministers, you have to apply to the Interior Minister, and I will have to forward it to his office for us to decide who genuinely needs a motor rider or siren support and who does not," Mr Mubarak said.

He indicated that the policy is intended to ensure that only officials with a demonstrable operational need are granted authorisation.

According to the minister, President Mahama has also directed law enforcement agencies to take action against unauthorised users of sirens and to report offenders directly to his office.

"The president has firmly said anyone within government who is not authorised to use it and puts it on a vehicle should be arrested, and their names brought to my attention," Mr Mubarak said.

The Interior Minister disclosed that an application system has already been established to process requests from eligible officials.

He stressed that the reforms are aimed at promoting accountability and restoring public confidence in the use of official privileges on Ghana's roads.

The use of sirens by government officials has long been a subject of public debate in Ghana, with critics arguing that they are often misused to bypass traffic and confer unnecessary privileges on public office holders.

Officials say the latest measures are designed to bring greater transparency and discipline to the system while ensuring that emergency and security-related needs remain adequately catered for.