The Ghana Police Service will begin full enforcement of its automated traffic law enforcement programme, TRAFFITECH-GH, on Thursday, October 1, 2026, marking a major shift in how road traffic offences are detected, prosecuted, and penalised across the country.
The system, implemented through the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), deploys fixed roadside cameras, in-vehicle cameras, handheld and tripod-mounted Lasercam4 speed cameras, and Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) devices to detect and capture images or videos of traffic violations. Offences captured by the system are transmitted to a back office for validation before Electronic Notices of Violation (ENV) are issued to vehicle owners or drivers via SMS.
FINES AND PENALTIES
Traffic offences under the new regime attract fines ranging from GH₵60 to GH₵2,400, depending on the severity of the offence, with some carrying possible imprisonment.
A key feature of the system is a graduated penalty structure for camera-detected violations. The first to third offences attract GH₵120 each, the fourth offence rises to GH₵180, and the fifth offence attracts GH₵240. A sixth offence within 24 months may lead to court action, licence suspension or revocation for at least 12 months, and mandatory retraining and retesting.
Among the specific offences and penalties outlined by the Police Service:
· Mobile phone use while driving: Fine of up to GH₵600 and a possible prison term of up to three months.
· Drink or drug driving: Fine ranging from GH₵600 to GH₵2,400, with a possible prison term of up to 40 months.
· Jumping a red light: Fine between GH₵120 and GH₵360.
· Street racing, drag racing, and speeding: Fines ranging from GH₵120 to GH₵300, with possible imprisonment of up to 30 days.
· Parking in disability bays: Fine of up to GH₵300 and up to eight months in prison.
· Operating a TV monitor while driving: Fine of up to GH₵300 or up to 30 days in prison.
· Okada or aboboyaa operators without authorisation: Fines ranging from GH₵600 to GH₵1,200 and up to 24 months in prison; riders face fines of GH₵300 to GH₵600 and up to eight months in prison.
One penalty unit is equivalent to GH₵12.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
The enforcement is anchored in the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519) and the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1153), with implementation specifically under Regulation 242. The regulations introduce provisions on automated enforcement, allowing offences detected by traffic enforcement devices to attract graduated fines and, after repeated violations, possible suspension or revocation of a driver’s licence.
NATIONWIDE TRAINING AND TRIAL PHASE
Ahead of the rollout, the MTTD completed a nationwide training programme to prepare personnel for the new system. The fifth and final session was held on September 24, 2026, at the Stevens Hotel Conference Room in Ho, where 45 police officers and public sector stakeholders were trained on the operation of the automated system and recent changes to road traffic laws.
Participants included MTTD personnel from Ho, as well as representatives from the Judicial Service, National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), National Insurance Commission (NIC), and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). The Volta Regional back office has been established at the Regional MTTD Office in Ho, equipped with updated Traffitech-GH software.
During the trial phase, the MTTD issued more than 10,000 cautions to motorists for overspeeding, according to ACP Alexander Obeng, Director of Research, Training, and Education at the MTTD. The equipment was officially launched by Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno on September 15, 2026.
PAYMENT AND CONTESTING
Payment of Traffitech-GH fines can be made through Mobile Money, online via www.Traffitech-Gh.gov.gh, or physically at any bank within 14 days from the date of issuance of the notification. Failure to pay within the stipulated period attracts an additional 1% penalty on the original fine for each day of default.
Motorists who wish to contest a violation may do so through the process outlined by the Police Service; otherwise, they do not need to go to court.
BROADER CONTEXT
The TRAFFITECH-GH initiative forms part of broader efforts by the National Road Safety Authority and the Ministry of Transport to leverage technology to reduce road crashes and fatalities. Minister for Transport Joseph Bukari Nikpe, during a working visit to TraffiTech-GH facilities, stated that the government’s vision is to “ensure sanity and discipline on our roads to reduce the fatality rate” through automation.
Ghana continues to record significant fatalities from road crashes. According to the National Road Safety Authority, 1,009 individuals lost their lives in road crashes between January and April 2026, while 181 pedestrian deaths were recorded during the first four months of the year.
ACP Obeng has emphasised that the system will not replace police presence on the roads. “It doesn’t necessarily mean that police physical presence will not be there. Visibility will be there, first of all, even in the case that there are certain instances that we need police to be controlling the traffic,” he said.
The Police Service has urged motorists, drivers, and vehicle owners to familiarise themselves with the TRAFFITECH-GH system and comply with traffic regulations, stating that adherence will contribute to safer roads and help reduce road traffic crashes and casualties.
