Ghana Police: Motorbike Exhaust Crackdown Targets Illegal Modifications

• Ghana Police will intensify roadside inspections targeting motorcycles with modified exhausts and illegal lights.
• The National Road Safety Authority aims to ensure compliance with vehicle standards and road safety regulations.
• Drivers are prohibited from holding mobile phones while driving, though hands-free systems are permitted.
• Authorities will address issues of unauthorized street occupants and traders at bus stops.
• Motorists are reminded to exercise caution at traffic lights and report faulty infrastructure.

The Ghana Police, in collaboration with the National Road Safety Authority (NSRA), will focus on motorcycles equipped with excessively loud exhaust systems and illegal lighting equipment.

Ghanaian authorities are set to significantly increase roadside inspections, specifically targeting motorcyclists who operate vehicles with unauthorized modifications. The Ghana Police, in collaboration with the National Road Safety Authority (NSRA), will focus on motorcycles equipped with excessively loud exhaust systems and illegal lighting equipment. This initiative, referred to as the Ghana Police motorbike exhaust crackdown, aims to address concerns regarding noise pollution and the safety risks these modifications pose to other road users.

Mr. Abraham Amaliba, the Director-General of the NSRA, confirmed that the upcoming enforcement actions will involve targeted roadside checks. The primary objective is to identify and remove non-compliant equipment, thereby ensuring adherence to approved vehicle standards and existing Ghana road traffic regulations. This assurance was provided during a discussion centered on road safety and the introduction of Traffitech, where broader traffic management and regulatory enforcement issues were also addressed. The push for vehicle modification compliance Ghana is a key component of this renewed focus on road safety.

Beyond vehicle modifications, the NSRA Director-General also clarified the legal stance on mobile phone use for drivers. While the law prohibits motorists from holding and actively using mobile phones while driving, it permits conversations through hands-free Bluetooth systems. This distinction underscores the intent of the mobile phone driving law Ghana, which is designed to minimize driver distractions and maintain full focus on the road. Drivers are strongly advised to keep both hands on the steering wheel and avoid any activities that could compromise their concentration.

Concerns were also raised regarding police checkpoints on major thoroughfares, such as sections of the Kumasi road, which some motorists claim contribute to traffic congestion. In response, Mr. Amaliba indicated that relevant government bodies, including the Ministry of Local Government and the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), would collaborate to remove unauthorized occupants from street areas. Furthermore, the issue of traders occupying designated bus stops was acknowledged, with assurances that measures would be implemented to rectify this situation and enhance the efficiency of public transport operations.

The intensified National Road Safety Authority enforcement extends to fundamental aspects of traffic flow and infrastructure. Mr. Amaliba emphasized that a green traffic light does not automatically grant permission to proceed if the path ahead is obstructed. Similarly, an amber light serves as a warning to prepare for a stop, rather than an invitation to accelerate through an intersection. Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution at intersections, ensuring the road ahead is entirely clear before advancing.

Addressing public feedback, the NSRA Director-General assured that all complaints regarding malfunctioning traffic lights and streetlights would be promptly forwarded to the appropriate road authorities for necessary repairs. The public, including motorists and other road users, is actively encouraged to report any faulty traffic signals or streetlights to facilitate swift action. These comprehensive efforts reflect a commitment to improving overall road safety and ensuring that all road users adhere to established Ghana road traffic regulations for the benefit of the entire community.

Lawyers advising clients in the automotive sector, vehicle importers, or businesses operating vehicle fleets in Ghana should alert them to the intensified enforcement by the Police and NSRA regarding modified motorbike exhausts, illegal lighting, and mobile phone use while driving. This development necessitates a review of vehicle specifications and driver conduct to ensure compliance with existing road safety regulations and mitigate potential penalties.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Times.