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The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has issued an apology to Ghanaians following the government’s controversial attempt to amend the Road Traffic Regulations. The proposed amendments would have allowed Members of Parliament (MPs) and state officials to use sirens and be exempt from speed limits, sparking significant public backlash.
Initially, Bagbin disclaimed any knowledge of the legislative instrument’s introduction in the house. However, in a formal communication on Monday, he acknowledged the controversy and expressed regret for the situation.
“Following the opposition’s firm stance against the LI, the government has decided to withdraw the proposed amendments. We recognise the public perception of insensitivity, and I am here to offer an apology and assure the Ghanaian people that this parliament remains acutely aware of and responsive to their needs,” Bagbin stated.
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In response to the situation, new standing orders have been instituted for a pre-laying process in the introduction of a legislative instrument. This process is designed to ensure a thorough review before it is officially laid in the house.
“Parliament has empowered the subsidiary legislative committee with a critical mandate. The committee’s responsibilities are set out under order 220. This includes ensuring that proposed subsidiary legislation aligns with the constitution, Acts of Parliament, and other laws, detecting any potential inconsistencies, ambiguities, or concerns in the proposed legislation, and offering inputs and recommendations to refine and improve the proposed legislation,” Bagbin explained.
Recognising the importance of thorough scrutiny, the new pre-laying process mandates that the relevant person intending to lay the L.I. or C.I. engage with the subsidiary legislation committee for a comprehensive review before the instrument is officially laid before parliament.
