President Mahama Launches TraffiTech to Curb Road Accidents in Ghana

President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has introduced the Traffic Technology (TraffiTech-GH) system, a life-saving intervention designed to curb the alarming rate of road accidents, particularly those caused by speeding. At a press conference at the Jubilee House, President Mahama highlighted the severity of the issue, stating that approximately 2,151 Ghanaians lost their lives in road accidents last year. He emphasized that these figures represent more than statistics, as they are husbands, children, mothers, and sisters of the nation.

President Mahama provided a breakdown of the accident statistics, revealing that 474 Ghanaians were killed in pedestrian knockdowns. He expressed concern that many of these victims were schoolchildren who were knocked down by speeding cars while walking home from school. The President stressed that enforcing the general speed limit in urban centers, capped at 50 kilometres per hour, is critical in preventing accidents. He explained that at this speed, drivers can stop in time to prevent accidents.

The new measures, which began on November 1, are currently focused solely on speeding. President Mahama dismissed concerns that the system was a revenue-generation tool, explaining that the "speeding model" was currently the only one activated. He outlined a phased approach for the technology, noting that modules for crossing red lights and illegal parking had not yet been activated but would be introduced in subsequent years.

President Mahama clarified that the enforcement by the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) had no connection with the ongoing clearance of bus stops or issues with bus operators. He shared an anecdote illustrating the impact of the enforcement, stating that the system had forced drivers to pay attention to their speedometers, some for the first time. A driver reportedly told the President that he had never looked at his speedometer until the introduction of TraffiTech.

The President urged the public to bear with the inconvenience, assuring them that a month-to-month comparison with last year would reveal a significant reduction in accidents. He emphasized that the TraffiTech system is a life-saving intervention aimed at reducing the number of road accidents in Ghana. President Mahama expressed his hope that the public would cooperate with the new measures.

The introduction of TraffiTech is part of a broader effort to improve road safety in Ghana. The system uses technology to monitor and enforce speed limits, with the goal of reducing the number of accidents on the country's roads. President Mahama emphasized that the government is committed to implementing measures that will help reduce the number of road accidents and save lives.

The implementation of TraffiTech has started, and the government will monitor its effectiveness in reducing road accidents. President Mahama encouraged drivers to adhere to the speed limits and other traffic regulations to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. The government aims to make Ghana's roads safer for everyone.

Key points

• The TraffiTech system is initially focused on enforcing speed limits in urban areas.
• Approximately 2,151 Ghanaians lost their lives in road accidents last year.
• The system is part of a phased approach to improve road safety in Ghana.