Police arrest 52 motorcycle racers, seize 71 bikes on George Walker Bush Highway

The Accra Regional Police Command has intensified enforcement of road traffic laws with a major operation that resulted in the arrest of 52 motorcycle riders engaged in unlawful racing on the George Walker Bush Highway. The crackdown, which took place on Sunday, July 26, also led to the confiscation of 71 motorcycles, marking one of the largest coordinated efforts against dangerous riding activities in the capital.

During the operation near Villaggio, officers seized a significant haul of two-wheeled vehicles: 25 registered Royal motorcycles, 26 unregistered Royal motorcycles, five power bikes and 15 scooters. The scope of the arrests reveals an organised activity with participants travelling from multiple towns across the greater Accra and Eastern regions specifically to participate in the racing.

Riders from across the region

Chief Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs of the Accra Regional Police Command, confirmed that preliminary investigations showed the suspects hailed not only from Accra but also from surrounding communities including Nsawam, Kasoa, Tema, Ashaiman and Koforidua. This pattern suggests the illegal racing has become a coordinated weekend activity that draws participants from considerable distances.

The police statement emphasised that the gathering posed significant risks to other highway users. The motorcycle racers disrupted traffic flow and endangered motorists, pedestrians and other road users who relied on the George Walker Bush Highway for legitimate travel.

Charges and road safety concerns

The arrested riders face multiple charges covering various traffic and vehicle-related offences. These include careless and inconsiderate riding, dangerous riding, unlawful motor racing, failure to wear protective crash helmets, riding without valid licences, operating unregistered motorcycles, and absence of compulsory motor insurance. Several suspects are currently assisting police with investigations and will be processed for court appearances.

The operation reflects growing police concern about unlawful motorcycle activities in Accra's major transport corridors. Road safety experts have long flagged dangerous riding as a contributing factor to traffic accidents and fatalities on Ghana's highways.

Why it matters for Ghana

Road safety remains a critical public health issue in Ghana, with the Ghana Health Service and road safety organisations consistently highlighting motorcycle accidents as a leading cause of injury and death. Illegal street racing poses particular danger because riders typically lack proper protective equipment, licences or insurance, leaving them and innocent bystanders vulnerable.

The Accra Regional Police Command's commitment to enforcement sends a message that such activities will not be tolerated. However, the large number of riders arrested in a single operation raises questions about the scale of unlawful racing culture in Accra and whether prevention strategies beyond enforcement are needed.

Authorities have appealed to the public to report unlawful activities to the nearest police station or through emergency numbers. The command also urged compliance with road traffic regulations, acknowledging that public cooperation is essential for sustained safety improvements.