Ghana Police Service Discredits Viral Flyer Falsely Claiming Ban on AirPods While Driving

The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has officially debunked a viral flyer circulating on social media which falsely alleged that the use of AirPods, earphones, and other audio devices while driving is prohibited under Ghanaian law. In a public statement issued to clarify the situation, the police administration confirmed that the information contained in the flyer is misleading and does not represent an official directive or policy from the service. The denial comes as a response to widespread public concern and confusion regarding the legality of wearing personal audio devices behind the wheel.

To address the spread of this misinformation, the Police have tasked their Cybercrime Unit with investigating the origins of the unauthorized flyer. Officials emphasized that the document was neither authored nor sanctioned by the Ghana Police Service. This proactive step aims to identify and hold accountable those responsible for creating and disseminating deceptive graphics that mimic official police communication. The service has reiterated that the public should disregard the specific claims made in the viral post and instead look to verified platforms for any legitimate changes to traffic enforcement policies.

While the specific ban mentioned in the flyer is non-existent, the Ghana Police Service used the opportunity to remind motorists and riders of the existing Road Traffic Regulations, specifically L.I. 2519. The police highlighted that while audio devices themselves may not be explicitly banned in the manner described by the flyer, any activity that causes distraction while operating a vehicle remains a significant safety hazard. Drivers are strongly encouraged to maintain full focus on the road to minimize the risk of accidents, as distractions remain a leading cause of traffic-related incidents across the country.

In conclusion, the GPS has urged the general public to rely exclusively on official communication channels, such as the service's verified social media pages and formal press releases, to obtain accurate information on road safety and law enforcement. By encouraging citizens to verify information before sharing it online, the police hope to curb the spread of "fake news" that can lead to unnecessary panic or confusion. Motorists are reminded that adhering to established traffic laws is essential for collective road safety, and any legitimate updates to these regulations will always be communicated through the appropriate national authorities.