Traffitech-GH Ghana: Road Safety or Revenue Generation?
Featured image: Traffic enforcement and motorists in Ghana. Illustrative image.
TRAFFITECH-GH: Road Safety or Revenue Generation? Motorists Seek Answers Ahead of October 1 Rollout
The Ghana Police Service is set to begin the full implementation of its automated traffic law enforcement programme, TRAFFITECH-GH, on October 1, 2026, in a move aimed at improving road discipline and compliance with traffic regulations.
The system will use cameras, sensors and handheld digital devices to detect traffic offences, including speeding and running red lights. Detected offences will be reviewed before Electronic Notices of Violation (ENVs) are issued to vehicle owners or drivers by SMS, indicating the offence and prescribed fine.
While the introduction of automated traffic enforcement could provide authorities with a technological means of identifying traffic violations, Pot Belly TV is asking how the system will work in some of the everyday situations motorists encounter on Ghanaian roads.
One particular issue concerns intersections where police officers are physically present to regulate traffic even when the traffic lights are working.
What happens when a police officer directs a driver to proceed?
One concern worth addressing is the situation at busy intersections where police officers stand to regulate traffic.
There are occasions when an officer may direct motorists to move forward even when the traffic light is red, often to ease congestion or manage traffic flow.
In such circumstances, how will TRAFFITECH-GH distinguish between a driver who deliberately runs a red light and one who proceeds because an officer has directed them to do so?
Will the system be able to recognise the presence and instructions of a traffic officer? If a camera captures a vehicle crossing the stop line while the signal is red, will the footage also account for the officer’s directions?
These are important questions that deserve clear answers before the system becomes fully operational.
Motorists should not be left uncertain about whether obeying a police officer’s traffic instructions could result in an automated fine.
How will motorists pay the fines?
The Ghana Police Service has published guidance explaining that motorists who receive an Electronic Notice of Violation can review the evidence and pay or contest the notice within 14 days.
According to the Police Service’s official guidance, payments can be made through the Ghana.gov platform using mobile money or a debit or credit card. Motorists can also dial *222# and select option 6 to follow the payment prompts.
The guidance further states that motorists who fail to pay within the 14-day period may incur an additional penalty of 1% of the original fine for each day of default
There are also consequences for outstanding fines at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
The Police Service’s guidance states that outstanding fines must be cleared before certain DVLA services, including vehicle roadworthiness inspection and renewal of a driver’s licence, can be completed.
This makes it particularly important for motorists to understand the payment process, verify notices and know their options if they believe a fine has been wrongly issued.
What protection is available against wrongful fines?
Automated enforcement depends on accurate evidence and a fair process for reviewing alleged violations.
The Police Service says detected offences will be reviewed before electronic notices are issued. Motorists are also able to view photographic or video evidence through the Ghana.gov platform and contest a notice online within 14 days.
However, questions remain about how the review process will handle unusual situations, such as:
- A driver proceeding through a red light on the instructions of a police officer.
- A vehicle being directed through an intersection to make way for an emergency vehicle.
- A traffic light malfunctioning or being temporarily overridden by an officer.
- A driver receiving a notice that does not accurately reflect what happened at the scene.
Clear procedures for these situations could help build public confidence in the programme and reduce disputes.
Is the programme about road safety or revenue generation?
The Police Service has stated that TRAFFITECH-GH is intended to improve compliance with traffic regulations and reduce road crashes, deaths and injuries.
That objective is important. Traffic violations can endanger drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other road users.
Nevertheless, motorists may reasonably want transparency about how fines are administered, where the money goes, how enforcement is monitored and what safeguards are in place to prevent wrongful penalties.
The introduction of automated fines should therefore be accompanied by public education and accessible information about the system.
The question is not whether traffic regulations should be enforced, but whether enforcement will be transparent, consistent and fair to all road users.
The need for public education and transparency
As Ghana prepares for the October 1 rollout, motorists need clear information about the offences covered, the penalties involved, the payment channels and the procedure for challenging a notice.
The public also needs clarity on how the system will account for police officers who direct traffic at intersections where cameras are installed.
A system that combines technology with effective human oversight and fair review procedures can help motorists understand their obligations and the consequences of violations.
Conclusion: Road safety must go hand in hand with fairness
TRAFFITECH-GH marks a significant development in the enforcement of traffic regulations in Ghana. Its stated objective is to promote safer roads and encourage compliance with the law.
However, its success will depend not only on detecting offences but also on how fairly and transparently those offences are handled.
As the launch date approaches, the Ghana Police Service should continue educating the public and addressing concerns about police-directed traffic, evidence review, payments and appeals.
Road safety is important, but fairness and transparency are equally essential.