Police launch major crackdown on illegal sirens and traffic violations across Kumasi

The Ghana Police Service has intensified its fight against road traffic indiscipline with a significant enforcement operation in Kumasi, targeting the unauthorised use of sirens, emergency lights and other illegal vehicle modifications that pose serious safety risks to other road users.

Officers from the Ashanti Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), supported by teams from the Central MTTD in Accra and the Police National Headquarters, conducted the operation at two of Kumasi's most congested intersections: the Airport Roundabout and Santasi Roundabout. During this exercise, police checkpoints intercepted a total of 188 vehicles found to be in breach of Ghana's road traffic regulations.

What the operation uncovered

The vehicles targeted had been fitted with a range of prohibited modifications and devices. Many were equipped with unauthorised sirens and strobe lights, whilst others had undergone illegal horn modifications and improvised headlamp installations. A significant number of drivers were also caught using road shoulders and verges unlawfully to bypass traffic congestion at busy intersections.

Police officers responded by confiscating all unauthorised devices and modified lighting systems found during the operation. Beyond enforcement action, drivers were educated on the specific provisions of Ghana's Road Traffic Regulations and warned about the dangers their conduct posed to road safety.

Why these violations matter for Ghana

The Police Service has outlined the broader public safety implications of these traffic violations. The unauthorised use of sirens and emergency lights creates dangerous confusion among motorists, who may mistake private vehicles for genuine emergency response vehicles. This not only undermines actual emergency services' ability to respond quickly to genuine crises but also emboldens drivers to engage in reckless behaviour in the belief they are priority vehicles.

The illegal use of road shoulders and verges exacerbates traffic congestion in Ghana's already congested urban centres, particularly at busy intersections like those targeted in Kumasi. Such practices increase the risk of road crashes, disrupt orderly traffic flow and demonstrate a broader pattern of indiscipline on Ghanaian roads. With road accidents remaining a significant public health challenge in Ghana, tackling these underlying behavioural issues is critical.

The operation reflects a broader national strategy. The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to improving road safety standards and ensuring strict compliance with traffic regulations across the country. Officials have indicated that similar enforcement operations will be rolled out nationwide to combat traffic indiscipline and promote responsible road use among all Ghanaian drivers.

For commuters and road users in Kumasi and beyond, the message is clear: the Police Service is taking vehicle-related violations seriously and will continue targeted operations to ensure Ghana's roads are safer for everyone.