MTTD enforcement drive targets abuse of emergency devices as authorities intensify efforts to restore discipline and safety on Ghana’s roads
The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service has intensified a nationwide road safety enforcement campaign, resulting in the impounding of approximately 6,000 vehicles and the confiscation of hundreds of unauthorized sirens, beacon lights, strobe lamps and other illegal vehicle accessories.
The operation, which began about one month ago, forms part of a broader police strategy aimed at improving road discipline, reducing unnecessary disturbances on highways and ensuring that only authorised emergency and security vehicles use restricted warning devices.
Speaking on Citi News Digest on Saturday, July 18, 2026, the Director of Education, Research and Training at the Police MTTD, ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, disclosed that the exercise has been implemented across all 25 police regions nationwide, revealing the extent to which motorists have been illegally using equipment reserved for emergency services and authorised state agencies.
According to ACP Obeng, the enforcement exercise uncovered widespread misuse of sirens, beacon lights and strobe lamps by private motorists, creating significant concerns about road safety, public order and equal treatment among road users.
“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,” he stated.
The MTTD director explained that the widespread use of unauthorised emergency devices has become a growing challenge on Ghana’s roads, with some private vehicle owners installing such equipment to create the impression of official authority or gain unfair advantage in traffic.
He emphasised that the Police Service remains committed to sustaining the operation and has expanded monitoring activities beyond regional commands to include police divisions across the country to ensure broader enforcement coverage.
ACP Obeng warned motorists against purchasing or installing illegal sirens, beacon lights and strobe lamps, stressing that enforcement officers would continue monitoring major highways and urban roads to identify offenders.
He specifically mentioned that police patrols would remain active on major routes including the N1, N2, N4, N8, N9, N10 and N12 highways, as well as across all 16 regions and 25 police regions where enforcement operations are being carried out.
The police explained that the campaign is not only focused on removing illegal vehicle accessories but also seeks to address related problems such as noise pollution, driver distraction and reduced visibility caused by excessive lighting systems, particularly during night travel.
ACP Obeng noted that the initial phase of the operation has focused on education, warnings and confiscation of illegal devices rather than immediate prosecution. He said motorists found with unauthorised equipment have so far received verbal or written warnings alongside the seizure of the prohibited items.
“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,” he explained.
According to the MTTD, early indications suggest that compliance levels are improving, with authorities observing quieter roads and better visibility conditions, especially during evening and night journeys.
The operation represents a significant effort by the Police Service to restore order within Ghana’s transportation environment, where concerns about reckless driving, traffic congestion, noise pollution and misuse of emergency equipment have continued to attract public attention.
However, ACP Obeng cautioned that the warning phase would not continue indefinitely. He stated that motorists who repeatedly violate the regulations after receiving warnings would face legal action.
He explained that offenders could be taken before the courts and prosecuted under relevant road traffic laws, with penalties including fines ranging between GH¢300 and GH¢600, imprisonment of up to 30 days or other sanctions provided under existing legislation.
The crackdown comes amid broader national efforts to improve road safety and reduce preventable accidents, with authorities increasingly focusing on enforcing regulations governing vehicle standards, driver conduct and the responsible use of public roads.
The MTTD has urged motorists to comply with road traffic regulations and avoid acquiring equipment that is legally restricted to emergency responders, security agencies and other authorised institutions.
The ongoing enforcement exercise is expected to continue nationwide as the Police Service seeks to create a safer, more disciplined and more orderly road environment for all road users.
SOURCE: Citinewsroom
