Police in Ghana’s Ashanti Region have begun prosecuting motorists who use unauthorized sirens, strobe lights and lamps, after a major enforcement operation in the Kumasi Metropolis resulted in 1,991 vehicles being intercepted.
The Ashanti Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) says the latest action follows repeated violations by drivers who continued to use warning devices that are restricted under Ghana’s Road Traffic Regulations.
The operation, carried out on 3 July 2026, covered several parts of the Kumasi Metropolis, including Tanoso, Abrepo, Aboabo Kese, Mfensi, Akropong and Afari.
Ashanti Regional MTTD Commander Superintendent Kwame Boadi said 97 vehicles were intercepted for the unauthorized use of sirens, while a further 1,830 were stopped over the misuse of strobe lights.
“In all, 1,991 vehicles were intercepted. Ninety-seven of them were for unauthorized use of sirens, and 1,830 vehicles were for abuse of strobe lights,” Superintendent Boadi said during a media briefing.
The police initially dealt with offenders by issuing warnings and removing the unauthorized equipment from their vehicles. However, Superintendent Boadi said the approach had not stopped some motorists from repeating the offence.
As a result, the MTTD has now moved towards prosecution, with one driver already receiving a prison sentence.
“One motorist has already been convicted and sentenced to 3 months in prison after the court considered him a recalcitrant driver who had failed to heed several warnings,” Superintendent Boadi stressed.
Which vehicles are allowed to use warning devices?
The police say sirens and strobe lights are not available for general use by motorists. Their use is limited to specific categories of vehicles listed under the Road Traffic Regulations.
Those categories include vehicles used by the Head of State for official purposes, police vehicles, Fire Service vehicles and ambulances. Vehicles belonging to recognised government security agencies and registered bullion vehicles are also covered by the rules.
The regulations govern the use of horns, lamps and other warning equipment fitted to vehicles, as well as sirens and strobe lights.
Anyone who breaches the provisions commits an offence. Following summary conviction, an offender may receive a fine of up to 25 penalty units, a prison sentence of up to 30 days, or both.
Superintendent Boadi has called on motorists to remove any unauthorized sirens, strobe lights and lamps from their vehicles and ensure they comply with the law.
“Drivers and motorists are therefore reminded to comply strictly with the provisions of the Road Traffic Regulations concerning the use of horns, sirens, lamps and strobe lights. Unauthorized installation or use of horns, lamps and sirens will attract police enforcement,” he said.
The MTTD says the operation is part of a wider effort to enforce road traffic laws and improve safety and order on roads across the Kumasi Metropolis.
