52 motorcyclists in police grip over illegal racing

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

The operation was carried out by the Airport Divisional Police Command on Sunday, July 26.

Police also impounded 71 motorcycles during the exercise.

The seized motorcycles include 25 registered Royal motorcycles, 26 unregistered Royal motorcycles, five power bikes and 15 scooters.

In a statement signed by Chief Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs of the Accra Regional Police Command, police said preliminary investigations showed that the riders came from different parts of the Greater Accra Region and beyond.

Some were said to have travelled from Nsawam, Kasoa, Tema, Ashaiman and Koforidua to join others from Accra.

According to the police, the riders converged near Villaggio to take part in illegal motorcycle racing and related activities.

The statement said their conduct obstructed other road users and created danger for motorists, pedestrians and the general public.

The suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigations.

Police said they will be processed for court.

They are expected to face several road traffic-related charges.

These include careless and inconsiderate riding, dangerous riding, unlawful motor racing, riding without a valid rider’s licence, using unregistered motorcycles, failure to wear protective crash helmets and failure to obtain compulsory motor insurance.

The Accra Regional Police Command said it remains committed to enforcing road traffic laws and protecting the safety of all road users.

It urged the public to obey traffic regulations and report unlawful activities to the nearest police station or through the police emergency lines.