52 arrested after alleged illegal motorcycle races on Accra highway

Police in Accra have arrested 52 motorcycle riders accused of taking part in unlawful racing on the George Walker Bush Highway near Villaggio.

The arrests were made on Sunday, 26 July, by the Airport Divisional Police Command during an operation targeting motorcycle racing and related activities.

Officers also impounded 71 motorcycles. The vehicles included 25 registered Royal motorcycles, 26 unregistered Royal motorcycles, five power bikes and 15 scooters.

According to a statement signed by Chief Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Regional Command, preliminary investigations indicated that the riders came from several parts of the country.

Some were from Accra, while others were believed to have travelled to the capital from Nsawam, Kasoa, Tema, Ashaiman and Koforidua.

Police said the group had gathered along the highway to take part in unlawful motorcycle racing. Their activities allegedly disrupted other road users and created risks for motorists, pedestrians and members of the public using the route.

The 52 suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue. They are expected to be processed for court.

The potential charges include careless and inconsiderate riding, dangerous riding and unlawful motor racing. The riders may also face allegations relating to failing to wear protective crash helmets and riding without valid licences.

Other suspected offences include using unregistered motorcycles, failing to obtain compulsory motor insurance and breaches of additional road traffic regulations.

The police operation comes as the Accra Regional Police Command reiterates its commitment to enforcing road traffic laws and protecting all road users.

The command called on members of the public to obey traffic regulations and urged anyone who witnesses unlawful activity to report it to the nearest police station.

Reports can also be made through the Police emergency numbers, the statement said.

Police did not indicate when the suspects would appear in court, but said they would be processed for prosecution after the investigations. The impounded motorcycles remain part of the police operation, which was carried out after the alleged gathering on the George Walker Bush Highway.

Authorities said the enforcement action was intended to address conduct that could endanger road users and interfere with normal traffic on one of Accra’s busy routes.