The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service has impounded about 6,000 vehicles and confiscated hundreds of illegal sirens, beacon lights, strobe lamps and other unauthorised lighting equipment in a nationwide enforcement exercise aimed at improving road safety and curbing the misuse of emergency warning devices.

The month-long operation, which has been rolled out across all 25 police regions, has uncovered widespread abuse of sirens and emergency lighting by motorists, prompting the Police Service to intensify enforcement across the country.

Director of Education, Research and Training at the MTTD, ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, disclosed that approximately 700 sirens and strobe lights had so far been seized from the impounded vehicles, highlighting the scale of the violations.

“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 said.

Exercise extended nationwide

ACP Obeng said the enforcement exercise has now become part of the MTTD’s routine operations and has been extended from regional commands to divisional levels to ensure broader coverage and sustained compliance.

He warned motorists against purchasing or installing unauthorised sirens, beacon lights and strobe lamps, stressing that police officers would continue to patrol major highways and urban roads across the country.

“This exercise has become part of our daily operations. Whoever intends to buy another lamp, procure strobe lights, beacon lights or sirens should know that we are ever-present,” he cautioned.

“We will meet you on the N1, N2, N4, N8, N9, N10 and N12 and across all the 16 regions and 25 police regions,” he added.

Road safety and visibility

ACP Obeng explained that the operation is intended not only to enforce traffic regulations but also to reduce noise pollution and improve visibility for road users, particularly during night travel.

According to him, the indiscriminate use of emergency lights and sirens by private motorists poses safety risks and undermines the legitimate use of such equipment by emergency services.

He noted that the enforcement exercise was already producing positive results, with increasing compliance among motorists.

“We are seeing increasing compliance. The roads are becoming quieter, and night travel is improving in terms of visibility,” he said.

Warnings issued, tougher sanctions ahead

The MTTD director said the Police Service has, for now, adopted an educational approach by issuing verbal and written warnings to offenders while confiscating the illegal devices.

“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,” ACP Obeng stated.

However, he warned that the grace period would not last indefinitely.

Motorists caught violating the regulations after receiving warnings, he said, would be prosecuted under the relevant road traffic laws.

According to ACP Obeng, convicted offenders could face fines ranging between GH¢300 and GH¢600, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or any other sanctions prescribed by law.

He reaffirmed the MTTD’s commitment to sustaining the nationwide operation to promote discipline on Ghana’s roads and ensure that emergency warning devices are used only by authorised vehicles.