Omanghana
The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service has intensified its nationwide enforcement campaign against illegal vehicle modifications, impounding approximately 6,000 vehicles and confiscating hundreds of unauthorized signaling devices.
The month-long operation, which has been conducted across all 25 police regions, forms part of efforts to address growing indiscipline on Ghana’s roads, reduce excessive noise pollution, and improve road safety compliance.
Authorities said the exercise targets motorists who install and use unauthorized sirens, strobe lights, beacon lamps, and other equipment that are reserved for approved emergency and security vehicles.
Thousands of Vehicles Intercepted Nationwide
As part of the operation, MTTD officers have intercepted and processed about 6,000 vehicles across the country for various road traffic violations linked to illegal lighting and sound systems.
The enforcement exercise has focused on identifying vehicles fitted with equipment that can create confusion among road users, intimidate other motorists, or disrupt normal traffic flow.
Police officials said the use of unauthorized emergency-style accessories has become increasingly common among private vehicle owners, contributing to road disorder and public safety concerns.
Hundreds of Illegal Devices Seized
During the crackdown, law enforcement authorities confiscated approximately:
- 700 unauthorized sirens and strobe lights.
- Hundreds of illegal beacon lamps.
- Blinding retrofitted headlamps and other unapproved vehicle lighting systems.
The Police said some of these modifications create dangerous conditions by affecting the visibility of other road users, especially at night.
Officials warned that vehicles fitted with such devices can pose serious risks by misleading drivers and pedestrians into believing that unauthorized vehicles have emergency powers.
Crackdown Targets High-Profile Individuals
The MTTD revealed that the enforcement exercise has not been limited to ordinary motorists, with several high-profile individuals also being found using illegal vehicle setups.
According to the Department, some chiefs, politicians, business executives, and religious leaders were among those affected by the operation.
The Police emphasized that the law applies equally to all road users, regardless of social status or influence.
Operation Led by MTTD Leadership
The nationwide enforcement campaign is being supervised by ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, the MTTD Director of Education, Research, and Training.
The operation has involved coordinated activities across police regions, with officers conducting targeted inspections and road surveillance to identify offenders.
In the Western Region, for example, intensified operations in Tarkwa and Takoradi resulted in about 700 vehicles being impounded, highlighting the scale of enforcement activities at the regional level.
First-Time Offenders Given Warnings
Under the current enforcement framework, motorists committing first-time offenses are being handled through corrective measures.
Police officers are removing unauthorized equipment immediately at the scene, issuing warnings, and providing caution letters to offenders.
However, individuals who repeatedly violate road safety regulations are being processed for prosecution under existing traffic laws.
Enforcement to Continue at Divisional Level
The Ghana Police Service has announced plans to expand the operation further by extending enforcement activities to divisional and local levels.
The move is aimed at ensuring continuous monitoring of roads and preventing motorists from reinstalling illegal devices after temporary enforcement exercises.
The MTTD said the initiative will continue as part of broader efforts to promote responsible driving, reduce road-related risks, and restore discipline on Ghana’s highways and urban roads.
Authorities have urged vehicle owners to remove unauthorized equipment voluntarily and comply with road regulations to avoid penalties and possible prosecution.
Source: Omanghana
