Omanghana
CUTS International Ghana has urged the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service to postpone full enforcement of the TRAFFITECH-GH automated traffic system until January 2027, citing concerns about public education, vehicle ownership records and the affordability of fines.
Speaking on October 1, 2026, the organization’s Country Director, Appiah Kusi Adomako, proposed a three-month trial period to help motorists understand the system before financial penalties take effect.
Under the proposal, drivers flagged for traffic violations during the October-to-December period would receive text messages notifying them of their offences without being required to pay fines.
Adomako said this initial phase would give the authorities time to explain how the system works, address operational weaknesses and build public confidence in automated enforcement.
A major concern, according to CUTS, is the mismatch between vehicle registration records and the people currently using those vehicles. The organization noted that thousands of vehicles are driven by individuals who are not listed as their registered owners in the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority’s database.
It warned that introducing automated fines without addressing ownership discrepancies could result in former owners receiving penalties for offences committed after they had sold their vehicles.
CUTS also raised concerns about the financial burden of the proposed penalties, particularly for commercial drivers and consumers with limited incomes. It argued that fines considered unaffordable could undermine compliance and public acceptance of the system.
The organization nevertheless expressed support for the use of technology to improve road safety and strengthen traffic enforcement.
Its position, Adomako emphasized, is that implementation should priorities preventing crashes and encouraging responsible driving, with sufficient preparation to ensure that penalties are applied fairly.
CUTS is therefore calling on the MTTD to use the proposed grace period to intensify public education and work with relevant institutions to resolve database and administrative challenges before full enforcement begins.
Source: Omanghana
