The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of Ghana has introduced TraffiTech-GH, a new system aimed at curbing speeding on the country's roads. As of November 1, 2026, drivers caught speeding will receive a text message with video proof of the offence and instructions on how to pay or contest a fine. This approach is designed to reduce the need for police to stop drivers at the roadside. The system has been in development for weeks and follows public debate.
TraffiTech-GH uses cameras fitted in police vehicles and mounted on tripods to record vehicles travelling above prescribed speed limits. The footage is then processed and sent as an electronic violation notice to the phone number registered against the vehicle owner's details. The notices will be sent under the sender identification "GPS MTTD" and include a link to view video evidence showing the date, time, and location of the alleged offence.
Drivers who receive a notice will have 14 days to either pay the fine or challenge the offence in court. The rollout will initially focus on locations identified as prone to road crashes. Speed limits being enforced include 50km/h in towns, 90km/h on highways, and 100km/h on motorways. This digital approach aims to let police gather evidence without stopping drivers, impounding vehicles, or escorting motorists to police stations and motor courts.
The introduction of TraffiTech-GH is part of a broader effort to improve road safety in Ghana. The MTTD's Director of Education, Research and Training, ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, confirmed that the launch had been fully prepared for. He emphasized that the system targets speeding specifically and will not replace manual enforcement of other road traffic offences.
Prior to the launch, transport unions had threatened a nationwide shutdown from November 1 in protest against the system's implementation. However, after engagement with transport stakeholders and public education, some operators welcomed the shift, citing the potential to spare drivers from arrest and court appearances.
The debut of TraffiTech-GH follows weeks of confusion over road traffic rules, including a disagreement between the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and the police over Bluetooth device usage while driving. Enforcement under the new system began on the day of launch, with speeding violations forming its first area of focus.
The MTTD intends to reduce roadside arrests for speeding made using handheld radar guns. With the implementation of TraffiTech-GH, the department aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in enforcing road traffic laws. The system's success will be closely monitored, and adjustments made as necessary to ensure its goals are met.
Key points
- The system uses camera-based technology to record speeding offences and sends electronic violation notices to vehicle owners' registered phone numbers.
- The rollout initially focuses on crash-prone locations and enforces speed limits of 50km/h in towns, 90km/h on highways, and 100km/h on motorways.
- Drivers have 14 days to pay fines or contest offences in court after receiving a notice.
