Five transport unions declare strike over TRAFFITECH-GH system

Five transport unions in Ghana have declared a nationwide strike starting November 4, 2026, in protest against the newly launched TRAFFITECH-GH automated traffic enforcement system. The strike follows the official activation of the technology on November 1, which utilizes a network of cameras and sensors to identify traffic violations and issue automated fines. While the government maintains that the system will improve driver discipline and reduce the potential for corruption in manual enforcement, transport operators argue that the implementation is premature and fundamentally unfair given the current state of national road infrastructure.

The unions contend that it is unreasonable to enforce automated speed and traffic fines when critical road furniture, such as legible speed limit signs and functional traffic lights, is largely absent or poorly maintained across many urban centers. A major point of contention is the system's policy of issuing fines directly to registered vehicle owners regardless of who was behind the wheel at the time of the infraction. Critics argue this creates an unjust financial burden for transport owners and fleet managers. Furthermore, stakeholders have expressed concern that the initiative appears to prioritize revenue generation over genuine road safety, despite a record-breaking 2025 in which road accidents claimed 2,949 lives.

Energy and infrastructure experts, including Dr. Theo Acheampong, have emphasized that the success of TRAFFITECH-GH depends heavily on the government’s commitment to transparency and the physical readiness of the road network. While automated systems can effectively reduce human interaction and the associated risk of bribery, they cannot substitute for essential safety measures like clear road markings and adequate urban planning. There are also growing concerns regarding security, with warnings that fraudsters might exploit the new system to target motorists with illegitimate fine notifications, necessitating a more robust public education campaign.

The current standoff underscores deeper systemic issues within Ghana’s road safety strategy and the tension between technological advancement and infrastructure reality. Transport unions are calling for a suspension of the enforcement regime until clearer regulatory guidelines are established and the Ministry of Transport addresses the deficit in road signage. As the strike proceeds, the government faces pressure to demonstrate that the TRAFFITECH-GH system is a tool for safety rather than a punitive measure for conditions beyond the drivers' control.