GHANA is poised to enter a new era of road safety enforcement as the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, prepares to deploy cutting-edge technology to monitor traffic as well as curb road accidents across the country.
The technology, described as an “invisible eye”, will help detect traffic violations that human officers may miss, as it will make use of vehicles equipped with cameras, automated monitoring systems, and fixed checkpoints on major roads. It also will strengthen enforcement, improve compliance, and reduce fatalities.
The Minister of Transport, Mr Joseph Nikpe, disclosed this in Accra yesterday when he inspected the facilities of Traffic Tech Ghana as part of a working visit to the centre. He said a number of initiatives had been rolled out to enhance safety on the country’s roads.
Mr Nikpe noted that new road safety regulations had been submitted to Parliament, and once the 21-day mandate expired, the law was expected to be passed. Training programmess are planned for the National Road Safety Authority and Ghana Police personnel to ensure the technology is implemented effectively.
• DSP Alexander Obeng (hand stretched) briefing Mr Nikpe (third from right) and his deputy on the vehicles installed with camera’s meant to monitor road traffic offenders
Highlighting the government’s commitment to road safety, the Minister said that the initiative aligns with John Dramani Mahama’s vision to reduce accidents, regulate driver behaviour, and promote disciplined use of Ghana’s roads. He added that the collaboration between DVLA, NRSA, and Traffic Tech will ensure the law is practical, enforceable, and effective in curbing road carnage.
On his part, the Project Coordinator at Traffic Tech, Chief Superintendent Alexander Obeng said the initiative targeted human error, which remained the leading cause of accidents on the country’s roads. He explained that the system was capable of detecting 46 traffic offences, including speeding, running red lights, driving without valid licences or insurance, using earphones while driving, and leaving vehicles in dangerous positions.
“We are using technology to capture offenders accurately and hold them accountable,” he stated.
Traffic Tech’s solution uses PDAs and cloud-based platforms to process violations within three minutes. Tickets are sent directly to offenders’ registered phone numbers, linked to either their vehicle or driver’s licence. Drivers are required to comply within 14 days, after which a daily one per cent surcharge applies, and access to licence services is blocked until fines are cleared. Ticket values start at GH¢ 126 for general offences, and GH¢ 236 for speeding.
Chief Superintendent Obeng emphasised that the initiative was designed to prevent accidents rather than punish offenders. “This system will deter repeat offenders, ensure compliance, and ultimately save lives,” he said.
The programme will be supported by a nationwide sensitisation campaign in partnership with the National Road Safety Authority, aimed at educating road users on offences that can be detected and the consequences of violations. The system provides “undeniable evidence” to prevent disputes and enhance accountability.
He said the initiative formed part of Ghana’s broader strategy to reduce road carnage and promote disciplined road use. “With the deployment of Traffic Tech’s technology and close cooperation with law enforcement agencies, the government aims to improve road safety and protect the lives of all road users,” he said.
BY CLIFF EKUFUL
Join our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
Follow our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
