Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has come out in support of the recently introduced TraffiTech-GH automated traffic enforcement system. In an interview with 1957 News, he urged motorists unhappy with the fines to comply with speed limits rather than risk penalties. The President emphasized that drivers who observe prescribed limits have no reason to worry about the system. He stressed that speeding remains a major contributor to road accidents and must be addressed through stricter enforcement.
President Mahama's comments come amid growing public criticism of TraffiTech-GH, particularly over the penalties associated with speeding offences. Some motorists have argued that the government should improve road infrastructure, including fixing damaged roads, faulty traffic lights and inadequate road signage, before introducing automated enforcement. Additionally, some driver unions have threatened industrial action in opposition to the system. The President, however, rejects calls to delay enforcement.
According to President Mahama, road maintenance and traffic law enforcement should not be treated as mutually exclusive responsibilities. He maintained that poor road conditions do not give motorists justification to disregard existing speed regulations. The government, he said, can pursue infrastructure improvements while enforcing traffic laws. President Mahama drew comparisons with the United Kingdom, noting that speed cameras are used to regulate motorists despite imperfections in its road network.
TraffiTech-GH was introduced by the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service on November 1. High-technology cameras were initially deployed to identify motorists who exceed prescribed speed limits. Other offences, including running red lights and illegal parking, are expected to be incorporated into the system. President Mahama acknowledged that the system has so far only begun with overspeeding.
The President emphasized the importance of transparency in the implementation of TraffiTech-GH. He called on the police and other responsible agencies to install signs alerting motorists to the presence of speed cameras. Drivers, he said, should receive adequate warning when approaching monitored sections of the road to ensure they understand where the technology is being used.
President Mahama also urged motorists to adhere to speed limits, stating that if fines are too expensive, they should simply not overspeed. He noted that the maximum speed in town is 50km/h and that drivers who adhere to this limit have nothing to worry about. The President's stance is that the solution to avoiding fines is to comply with speed regulations.
The introduction of TraffiTech-GH has sparked a heated debate in Ghana, with some arguing that it is a necessary measure to reduce road accidents, while others believe that it is a revenue-generating exercise. President Mahama's defence of the system is likely to fuel further discussions on the issue. The government has not announced any plans to review or suspend the system.
Key points
- President Mahama defends TraffiTech-GH automated traffic enforcement system.
- Motorists urged to comply with speed limits to avoid fines.
- System aims to reduce road accidents caused by speeding.
