The Ghana Police Service is set to implement its automated traffic law enforcement system, TRAFFITECH-GH, from October 1, 2026. The system aims to improve compliance with road traffic laws and reduce accidents. It will use cameras and Personal Digital Assistant devices to detect traffic offences. Electronic Notices of Violation will be issued to offenders via SMS. The Police Service says this will strengthen enforcement and address indiscipline among road users.
However, Abraham Koomson, Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour, has questioned the decision to roll out TRAFFITECH-GH. He expressed concern about the state of traffic lights in Accra and Tema, which are not functioning properly. Some intersections have only red and yellow lights working, while green lights remain dysfunctional. This situation could create confusion and increase the risk of accidents, particularly at busy intersections.
Mr. Koomson suggested that malfunctioning traffic lights should be switched off and traffic police officers deployed to direct traffic flow until faults are fixed. He acknowledged that introducing an automated system to monitor road traffic offences is a positive step but questioned Ghana's capacity to maintain the technology. He called for necessary infrastructure and maintenance systems to be put in place to ensure the new enforcement regime is effective and fair.
The Ghana Police Service's decision to introduce TRAFFITECH-GH is part of efforts to improve road safety. The system will review offences captured by technology before issuing Electronic Notices of Violation. The Police Service has urged motorists, drivers, and vehicle owners to comply with road traffic regulations and support the implementation of TRAFFITECH-GH.
Mr. Koomson's concerns highlight the challenges facing Ghana's traffic management infrastructure. He argued that the country may be moving too quickly to adopt a system modelled on practices used in other countries without addressing basic traffic management challenges. The Ghana Federation of Labour's Secretary-General emphasized the need for a well-functioning infrastructure to support the new enforcement regime.
The implementation of TRAFFITECH-GH aims to reduce road traffic crashes and related casualties. The Police Service believes the automated enforcement system will contribute to improving road safety. However, concerns over malfunctioning traffic lights and maintenance capacity need to be addressed to ensure the system's effectiveness.
The rollout of TRAFFITECH-GH has sparked a conversation about Ghana's preparedness for automated traffic law enforcement. As the country moves forward with implementing the system, stakeholders will be watching to see how the challenges are addressed. The success of TRAFFITECH-GH will depend on the government's ability to address concerns and ensure the system's effectiveness.
Key points
- The Ghana Police Service will begin implementing TRAFFITECH-GH from October 1, 2026.
- Abraham Koomson expressed concern about the state of traffic lights in Accra and Tema.
- The implementation of TRAFFITECH-GH aims to reduce road traffic crashes and related casualties.
