Dr. Steve Manteaw, Co-Chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI) and a policy analyst, has criticised laws that permit the arrest of drivers for petty and unjustifiable vehicle-related offenses.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, June 19, Dr. Manteaw expressed strong disapproval of the arrest of drivers for infractions such as dirty vehicles, torn seats, or weak suspensions.
Dr. Manteaw’s remarks have sparked a wave of online support, with many echoing his sentiments and calling for a review of the law.
He condemned the lawmakers who passed such legislation, questioning their sensitivity to the everyday realities of road users.
“Those MPs who passed the law which warrants the arrest of drivers for dirty or torn car seats, and for weak suspensions must be ashamed of themselves. I mean, how on earth, would you arrest drivers for these offenses when 90% of our roads are dusty and barely motorable. Whose interest do these parliamentarian’s serve?”
Dr. Manteaw argued that instead of holding the executive accountable for the poor state of Ghana’s roads, lawmakers appear to be punishing citizens who are victims of those very conditions.
“Thought theirs is to hold the executive to account, for our bad roads. I returned from Jomoro last week and my shocks and links are all gone. Folks, don’t you think I deserve compensation rather than arrest for my bad suspensions?” he asked.
