Fake AirPods Ban: Cybercrime Unit Hunts Source

The Ghana Police Service has moved to quash a fast-spreading social media claim that motorists and motorcyclists are prohibited from using AirPods, earphones and similar audio devices while driving, describing the widely circulated notice as completely fake. The Service said the flyer was not produced, issued or authorized by the Police, despite being designed to resemble an official road safety directive. Its Cybercrime Unit has consequently begun efforts to identify the persons behind the creation and circulation of the document.

The development highlights growing concerns over the use of social media to circulate fabricated government notices, particularly those carrying claims about new laws, restrictions and penalties that can easily be mistaken for legitimate public announcements. In rejecting the purported ban, the Police drew public attention to the provisions of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), particularly Regulation 132, which deals with the use of mobile phones and other communication devices while driving. The regulation prohibits a driver from operating a vehicle on a road or in a public place while holding, using or operating a cellular phone or another communication device in one or both hands.

The provision similarly places restrictions on a person supervising a learner driver, preventing that person from allowing the learner to use a hand-held phone or similar device while driving. The law focuses on devices capable of performing an “interactive communication function”—that is, transmitting and receiving information. Such functions include making or receiving voice calls, sending or receiving text messages, transmitting images, sending or receiving faxes and accessing the internet.

A device is regarded as hand-held where it must be held at some point during a call or other interactive communication. The Police therefore stressed that the viral flyer should not be interpreted as a new legal prohibition on AirPods or earphones simply because such devices are worn while driving. The Police, however, cautioned that the absence of a blanket legal ban does not mean drivers are free to use any device in a manner that compromises road safety. The Service warned that anything capable of distracting a driver or rider, interfering with hearing, reducing awareness of surrounding traffic or affecting vehicle control can create serious risks.

For a driver, the ability to hear warning sounds, remain alert to surrounding vehicles and pedestrians and maintain full control of the vehicle can be critical in avoiding a crash or other road accidents. The Police consequently urged motorists and motorcyclists to exercise maximum care and avoid activities that could divert their attention from the road. The regulations however provide specific circumstances in which the restrictions on hand-held communication devices do not apply. A driver or person supervising a learner may use a hand-held device to contact the Police, Fire Service or another emergency service where stopping the vehicle to make the call would be unsafe or impracticable.

The law also recognizes certain official duties. Among those exempted are operators of fire-fighting, rescue and ambulance vehicles, traffic and police officers, members of the Armed Forces, and officers of recognized government security or emergency agencies while performing their duties. The Police also highlighted the consequences for those who violate the relevant provision. A person convicted of the offence may be fined up to 50 penalty units, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of up to three months, or receive both penalties. The clarification is therefore significant because the fake flyer could have caused unnecessary fear among road users while simultaneously creating confusion about what conduct is actually punishable under the law.

The Service has urged the public to be particularly cautious when encountering purported government directives circulating online. The fake flyer, according to the Police, demonstrates how easily a fabricated document can acquire credibility when it uses official-looking language and presentation. Members of the public have also been advised to verify road safety announcements and other regulatory information through the Police’s recognized official communication channels before sharing or acting on them. The Police said accurate information is particularly important in matters involving traffic enforcement, where misinformation can lead to unnecessary confrontations, wrongful assumptions about offences and confusion among motorists.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing road traffic laws fairly and professionally while working with stakeholders to improve road safety. For now, the alleged AirPods ban has no basis in the Police notice: the viral flyer is fake, while the restrictions contained in L.I. 2519 remain focused on hand-held mobile phones and other qualifying interactive communication devices. Investigation by the Cybercrime Unit into those behind the fabricated notice is in progress according to the Ghana Police Service.

By: Joyce Owusu