The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has completed preparations for the nationwide implementation of the Traffitech-GH system, a digital tool designed to enforce traffic laws and regulations. The system, which was initially set to launch on October 1, has been rescheduled to start on November 1, 2026. According to the police, the rescheduling allows for more extensive public awareness and education on the program. The TRAFFITECH-GH system aims to address indiscipline on Ghana's roads and improve compliance with road traffic laws and regulations.
The TRAFFITECH-GH system uses cameras and sensors to automatically capture vehicles that flout road traffic laws and regulations, such as speeding and running a red light. The system will initially focus on speeding offenses, with motorists exceeding prescribed speed limits receiving electronic notices on their phones. The police have established regional teams and a back-office system to receive, process, and validate evidence generated by cameras deployed on the roads. The teams will operate enforcement equipment, generate traffic offense events, and support the processing and validation of evidence.
The Ghana Police Service has trained personnel and deployed enforcement equipment, including two categories of cameras: those retrofitted into smart police vehicles and tripod-mounted cameras deployed at selected locations. The mobile cameras will allow the police to move between different corridors depending on speeding patterns recorded on a particular day or during specific periods. The cameras have already been deployed in parts of Accra, Tema, Takoradi, Kumasi, Sunyani, Tamale, Koforidua, and Ho.
The police have prioritized speeding offenses, which account for 62 out of 100 road crash deaths. The TRAFFITECH-GH system will enable the police to deal with traffic offenses more efficiently, reducing reliance on manual enforcement. Motorists will receive electronic notices of violation, which they can either pay or contest within two weeks. The system will later be expanded to cover other traffic violations, including dangerous maneuvering, unlawful overtaking, and tailgating.
According to Chief Superintendent Alexander Kwaku Obeng, Director of Research, Education, and Training of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), the police have adequate personnel to begin implementation, with about nine regional teams prepared to support the system. The back-office system has been equipped with reliable power and connected to relevant databases to enable the police to identify vehicle owners and validate information before issuing tickets.
The TRAFFITECH-GH system is part of efforts by the police to address indiscipline on Ghana's roads. The system has been tested for reliability, and simulations have been conducted to ensure it remains functional in case of internet connectivity problems or system downtime. The police have traveled several major routes to gather data on speeding and identify areas requiring targeted enforcement.
The Ghana Police Service plans to expand the TRAFFITECH-GH system to cover other traffic violations and deploy additional enforcement equipment later in the year. A third category of enforcement equipment capable of detecting both speeding and red-light violations is being prepared for deployment at hazardous and signalized junctions.
Key points
- The Ghana Police Service will implement the TRAFFITECH-GH system on November 1 to enforce traffic laws and regulations.
- The system will initially focus on speeding offenses, with motorists receiving electronic notices of violation.
- The police have prioritized speeding offenses, which account for 62 out of 100 road crash deaths.
