The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has issued an apology to Ghanaians in response to the government's attempt to modify the Road Traffic Regulations.The proposed amendments, which would have allowed Members of Parliament (MPs) and state officials to use sirens and be exempt from speed limits, sparked widespread public outrage.

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Initially, Speaker Bagbin denied any knowledge of the legislative instrument’s introduction in Parliament.Addressing the house on Monday, the Speaker acknowledged the public's discontent and expressed regret over the situation.“Given the strong opposition to the L.I, the government has opted to withdraw the proposed amendments.

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We understand the public's perception of insensitivity, and I am here to apologize and assure the people of Ghana that this Parliament is highly attuned to and responsive to their concerns,” he stated.Speaker Bagbin also mentioned the implementation of new standing orders for a pre-laying process in the introduction of a legislative instrument, ensuring a thorough review before it is officially presented to the house.

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“Parliament has empowered the subsidiary legislation committee with an essential mandate.

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The committee's duties, outlined under order 220, include ensuring that proposed subsidiary legislation is consistent with the constitution, Acts of Parliament, and other laws, identifying any potential inconsistencies, ambiguities, or concerns in the proposed legislation, and providing input and recommendations to refine and improve the proposed legislation.

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”“Recognizing the importance of meticulous scrutiny, Parliament has established a pre-laying process. This process requires that the relevant individual intending to lay the L.I or C.I engage with the subsidiary legislation committee for a comprehensive review before the instrument is officially laid before Parliament,” he stated.

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