Feature: TRAFFITECH-GH: The Camera Is Ready. Is the Road?

The Ghana Police Service is delaying the full implementation of TRAFFITECH-GH, its automated traffic law enforcement programme, from October 1st to November 1st, 2026. The official reason is to increase public awareness and education. Although this reason is valid, it is not the whole story. The reporter supports automated enforcement and was present when the programme was launched in Accra. However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed before TRAFFITECH-GH can be fully effective.

Firstly, the road infrastructure itself can hinder the effectiveness of the cameras. Faulty traffic signals, faded lane markings, and overgrown trees blocking signal heads can make it difficult for drivers to see the law. CUTS International Accra raised this issue before the programme's postponement, emphasizing that a camera's clear view of a vehicle does not guarantee that the driver had a clear view of the signal.

Secondly, vehicle ownership records are another challenge. The ENV goes to the registered owner of the vehicle, not always the actual driver. Many vehicles in Ghana change hands informally, and compliance with the requirement to update ownership records within fourteen days has been poor for decades. This can result in notices being sent to the wrong person, causing confusion and inconvenience.

Thirdly, there are issues with the speed limit signs themselves. On many roads, the speed limit changes as a driver enters and leaves a town, but the signs announcing those changes are often missing, damaged, or covered by vegetation. Additionally, the speed limit sign on Ghana's roads shows only a number in a red circle, without indicating the unit of measurement. This can lead to confusion, especially for drivers who read the sign in miles per hour while their speedometer shows kilometres per hour.

These are just a few of the challenges facing TRAFFITECH-GH. The reporter concludes the article by suggesting practical steps that can be taken in the thirty days now available to address these issues before enforcement begins. These steps include improving road infrastructure, ensuring accurate vehicle ownership records, and updating speed limit signs with proper units of measurement. By addressing these challenges, TRAFFITECH-GH can become a fair and effective tool for enforcing traffic laws in Ghana.