The Executive Director of CUTS International, Appiah Kusi Adomako, has urged authorities to reconsider the planned November rollout of TRAFFITECH-GH, arguing that Ghana’s road infrastructure is not yet ready to support the system effectively.
According to him, several urban roads still have malfunctioning or displaced traffic lights and other infrastructure deficiencies that must be addressed before the technology is introduced nationwide.
TRAFFITECH-GH is being introduced by the Ghana Police Service through the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) as a technology-driven measure to improve compliance with road traffic laws and help reduce road crashes and fatalities.
However, CUTS International believes the technology should not be implemented ahead of essential infrastructure improvements.
The organisation has called for faulty traffic lights to be repaired and properly aligned, damaged signal heads to be restored, vegetation around traffic facilities to be cleared and key road markings to be repainted.
Mr Adomako also stressed the need for authorities to install clear speed-limit signs before every TRAFFITECH-GH speed camera, as well as at points where the applicable speed limit changes.
“I don’t know whether the Department of Urban Roads has even resources to be able to fix all of these traffic lights that are broken apart. And until we’re able to fix them, I don’t think that we should be in a hurry to implement the traffic tests,” he said in an interview on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
He further called for broader public education ahead of the rollout, suggesting that authorities make greater use of social media, community engagements and town hall meetings to educate motorists about the system.
Mr Adomako said drivers should be adequately informed before full enforcement begins, particularly about how the cameras will detect and record traffic violations.
He also acknowledged that the technology could help reduce direct interactions between motorists and police officers, potentially limiting opportunities for motorists to attempt to influence officers after committing traffic offences.
He explained that once violations are automatically captured by cameras, police officers on the road would have less discretion to remove or disregard offences.
Mr Adomako proposed moving the implementation date from November to January 2027, arguing that additional time would allow authorities to address outstanding infrastructure and equipment requirements.
“I think that one month is not enough. The implementation should extend from November to January 2027,” he said, adding that cameras, road markings, signage and other supporting infrastructure must be properly put in place.
The comments come as the Ghana Police Service prepares for the planned November 1 rollout of TRAFFITECH-GH and intensifies public education on the initiative.
With concerns surrounding road crashes and fatalities continuing, road safety stakeholders are emphasising that technology-based enforcement should be accompanied by properly maintained roads, functioning traffic systems and adequate signage.
By Edem Akpabey
