New road traffic regulations to hold vehicle owners responsible for offences – ACP Obeng

New road traffic regulations in Ghana aim to hold vehicle owners accountable for offenses committed by their vehicles, according to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service. ACP Alexander Obeng, Director of Research, Education and Planning at the MTTD, explained that these regulations will strengthen enforcement of speed limits and target motorists who flout road safety rules.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, ACP Obeng emphasized the importance of drivers understanding and adhering to speed limits, even in areas where road signs are missing. He noted that the general speed limit in Accra is 50 kilometers per hour within built-up areas, while reducing to 30 kilometers per hour in zones with significant human activity, such as markets, to minimize accident risks.

Outside developed areas, the speed limit is 90 kilometers per hour, and on motorways, it extends to 100 kilometers per hour. "Drivers should grasp that, under the road traffic regulations, before receiving a driver’s license, they are informed that speed limits apply even without visible signs, particularly in built-up areas with pedestrians," ACP Obeng stated.

He urged drivers to remain vigilant about their surroundings and adjust their speed accordingly, especially in areas with pedestrians and human activities. The MTTD has initiated enforcement of the new regulations to boost compliance and discourage traffic rule violations. Automated systems to detect speeding and other traffic offenses, along with automated spot fines for 49 designated offenses, are set to commence on November 1, 2026. These measures aim to enhance road discipline and promote safer driving practices nationwide.