The Ghana Police Service has issued a stern warning to the public against the unauthorised use of sirens, horns, strobe lights, and other emergency warning devices on vehicles.
In a press release dated 7th July, 2026, signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Richmond Mensah, the Service reminded citizens that such practices violate the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), specifically Regulation 74.
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The statement from the Public Affairs Directorate at Police Headquarters in Accra emphasises that misuse of these devices creates unnecessary panic among road users and contributes to traffic indiscipline.
The Police have urged all individuals who installed such equipment without lawful authority to remove them immediately, warning that nationwide enforcement operations are already yielding arrests and will be intensified.
Emergency warning devices like sirens and flashing lights are reserved for specific authorized vehicles,primarily police, fire service, ambulance, and other emergency response units. When ordinary citizens, politicians, businessmen, or celebrities equip their private cars with them, it undermines the very purpose of these signals.
Unauthorized use of emergency lights can create dangerous situations by causing drivers to make sudden movements, increasing the risk of accidents.
It also promotes road indiscipline, reduces trust in genuine emergency signals, and poses safety hazards by distracting or temporarily blinding drivers, especially at night.
The Police note that these behaviours contribute to the broader challenge of traffic indiscipline on Ghanaian roads, where reckless driving already claims hundreds of lives annually.
Under the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), only vehicles explicitly authorized by the relevant authorities may use sirens and emergency lights. Regulation 74 clearly outlines these restrictions. The current enforcement drive is part of the Ghana Police Service’s ongoing efforts to restore order on the roads.
The press release confirms that several offenders have already been arrested during nationwide operations. Vehicles found with illegal devices are likely to be impounded, with owners facing fines, prosecution, or both. The Service has vowed to sustain and intensify these operations to deter potential violators.
This crackdown aligns with broader road safety initiatives by the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the National Road Safety Commission.
Several factors encourage unauthorized installation of these devices: a culture of entitlement, inadequate regulation of installers, weak deterrence until recent operations, and urban traffic congestion in cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi.
Road traffic crashes remain a major public health concern in Ghana, with thousands dying or sustaining serious injuries yearly. Contributing factors include poor road conditions, inadequate signage, vehicle defects, and human error. Unauthorized emergency devices compound these problems by introducing additional unpredictability.
Complementary measures include public education campaigns on responsible road use, improved driver training and licensing processes, investment in intelligent traffic management systems, strict vehicle inspection regimes, and community engagement to report offenders.
The Ghana Police Service’s Public Affairs Directorate continues to engage the public on these issues through channels including social media handles @GhPoliceService. Citizens are encouraged to report violations using dedicated lines such as 18555, 191, or 112 for emergencies, and specific road policing numbers.
Many Ghanaians have welcomed the Police directive. For the enforcement to succeed long-term, transparency in arrests and prosecutions will be key.
The 7th July, 2026 press release is a public safety imperative. All vehicle owners are urged to comply immediately. Those with questions about authorization should contact the relevant authorities. Workshops and dealers should also refrain from illegal installations.
