The Ghana Police Service has been directed by the Attorney General’s Office to stop impounding cars for small traffic infractions.
This instruction was sent to the Inspector General of Police in response to the growing number of public complaints and legal experts’ and senior officials’ concerns about car seizures conducted in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (L.I. 2180).
While fines or jail are listed in the regulations as consequences for small offenses, the act of impounding automobiles is considered excessive and is not supported by Regulations 158 or L.I. 2180, according to a statement made by Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame.
Mr. Dame urged police officers to desist from seizing or limiting car use for minor violations, pointing out the absurdity of the idea that vehicles must be “used as an exhibit” in court processes.
