Former COCOBOD Director of Public Affairs, Fiifi Boafo, has expressed concerns about the government's decision to take 60% of fines generated under the TrafficTech-GH system. He suggests that this arrangement raises questions about whether the initiative is intended to improve road safety or generate revenue for the state. The system, which became operational on November 1, 2026, aims to strengthen traffic law enforcement through automated monitoring and detection of road traffic violations.
Mr. Boafo's concerns center on the revenue-sharing arrangement under which private investors behind the project are expected to receive 40% of the penalties collected, while the government takes the remaining 60%. He questions the rationale for the government's share, particularly when the initial investment in the project was not made directly by the state. Mr. Boafo argues that the government's share raises concerns about the financial motivation behind the implementation of the system.
Mr. Boafo drew a comparison with other jurisdictions, where governments directly finance similar traffic enforcement systems to avoid transferring the investment burden to motorists. He stressed that he has no objection to private sector participation in the initiative but wants the government to explain why it is entitled to 60% of the proceeds. He further questioned whether the arrangement would place additional financial pressure on Ghanaians, who are already grappling with several economic obligations.
The TrafficTech-GH system aims to improve road safety by automating the monitoring and detection of road traffic violations. However, Mr. Boafo warned that if revenue generation becomes the dominant consideration, it could undermine the stated road safety objectives of the initiative. He emphasized the need for the government to be transparent about the objectives of the initiative and ensure that it does not become a revenue-generating tool at the expense of motorists.
Mr. Boafo's concerns were expressed on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, November 7. He maintained that if the proceeds are intended to finance the operation and maintenance of the system, the arrangement should be clearly explained to the public. The government has not yet responded to Mr. Boafo's concerns, but the issue has sparked a national debate about the objectives of the TrafficTech-GH system.
The TrafficTech-GH system has been operational for a week, and some Ghanaians have already expressed concerns about the fines being issued. The government has assured motorists that the system is designed to improve road safety and reduce accidents. However, Mr. Boafo's concerns have raised questions about the true intentions behind the initiative and the revenue-sharing arrangement.
The issue has also sparked a debate about the role of private sector participation in public initiatives. While some have welcomed the involvement of private investors in the TrafficTech-GH system, others have expressed concerns about the potential for private interests to influence public policy. The government will need to address these concerns and provide clarity on the objectives of the initiative to ensure its success.
Key points
- Fiifi Boafo questions the government's decision to take 60% of fines generated under the TrafficTech-GH system, citing concerns about revenue generation and road safety.
