He emphasised the importance of citizens constantly monitoring politicians’ actions, warning that failure to do so could result in such measures being implemented.

The controversial LI, which sought to amend parts of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012, was withdrawn from Parliament.

The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, withdrew the LI on be half of the transport minister, citing public and stakeholder concerns. He added that the withdrawal was necessary after extensive engagement with leadership.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Mr Kofi Bentil said“LI 21, 18 in particular had been abused, and we had to fight. Do you remember when the toll levy was passed, in the same LI? I had to get up. IMANI, we had to get up and fight for it to be repelled; otherwise, we would all be paying taxes now to a private person. So, I am happy it has been repelled, but it tells us something: the process of lawmaking and leadership does not only require MPs but all of us to be vigilant. And people were aware that people put that in and those people who put those in, mark them and vote them out”.

Mr Bentil said it does not matter if the MPs apologize, they should be marked and removed from office.

He emphasised that it is important because someone had the mindset to propose this measure.

Mr Bentil noted that instead of solving the problem for the public’s collective good, parliamentarians sought to excuse themselves using state funds.

“You want to drive above the speed limit. You want to use a siren. Let me tell you why it matters. If this law had passed, some people would have died because some reckless MP would be driving over the speed limit, using a siren, and would kill somebody, and they would say it was within the law”.

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The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, withdrew the LI on behalf of the Transport Minister, citing public and stakeholder concerns.

He added that “the withdrawal became necessary based on extensive engagement with leadership.”

He further announced, “Mr. Speaker, I would like to move that the Road Traffic Amendment 2024, which was laid on Friday, June 14, be withdrawn… it is so withdrawn.”

The Ministry of Transport had previously laid the LI before Parliament to amend portions of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012. If passed, it would grant Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers of State privileges typically reserved for emergency and specialized vehicles.

Specifically, the amendment to Regulation 74 of LI 2180 would allow sirens or bells to be fitted as warning appliances on certain vehicles, including those owned by Supreme Court justices, MPs, and Ministers of State.

However, the LI faced opposition from the public and the Minority in Parliament, who issued a press statement urging the Transport Minister to withdraw the LI before it matured in 21 days.

The Minority also pledged to vote against the LI if it reached the chamber.

“We have instructed all our Members on the Committee to strongly oppose it at the committee level. We have also directed all 137 NDC Members of Parliament to vote en bloc against the LI when it is brought to the floor,” the statement read.

The Minority further urged the government to focus on addressing critical issues facing Ghana, such as the high cost of living, food inflation, unemployment, high fuel costs, the depreciation of the cedi, and a high tax regime that is driving businesses to relocate to neighbouring West African countries.

On Tuesday, Mr Kobina Tahir Hammond, the Minister of Trade and Industry, laid a Legislative Instrument (LI) on the Floor of Parliament to address the country’s escalating cement prices.

However, Mr Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, is said to have advised Mr Hammond, the Minister of Trade and Industry, to withdraw the LI to address some concerns that could lead to the legislation’s defeat in court because the parent Act was against price control.

In response, Mr Afenyo-Markin told the Parliamentary Press Corps that the Minority’s and sector players’ concerns about price regulation had been addressed before the laying.

He said: “After their deliberation, they came out with a report signed by the Chairman of the Committee. The content was to the effect that if the Trades Minister will take into consideration all the amendments, then they are not opposed to it.”

“Now true to his word, Hon. K.T Hammond incorporated every single amendment proposed by the Subsidiary Legislation into the new LI before same was laid.”

“The LI, which was previously brought to Parliament was changed. Every amendment which was proposed by the Minority was factored into the new LI: so, the question is: why must the Minority come the next day to attack the government?”.

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