John Dramani Mahama operationalises TraffiTech-GH automated traffic system

President John Dramani Mahama has officially operationalised the TraffiTech-GH system, an automated traffic enforcement initiative designed to enhance road safety across Ghana. The system, which commenced full operations on November 1, 2026, utilizes a network of cameras and sensors to monitor and penalize speeding violations. Addressing the public during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), the President emphasized that this technology-driven approach aims to significantly reduce road fatalities, citing the alarming statistic of 2,151 deaths recorded in 2025.

Under the new system, electronic notices of violations are sent directly to vehicle owners, replacing traditional manual speed enforcement methods. President Mahama urged motorists to adhere strictly to the urban speed limit of 50 km/h, noting that automation would reduce personal disputes between drivers and the police. Responding to public concerns regarding the cost of penalties, he stated that fines are entirely avoidable through compliance. To ensure transparency and build public confidence, the President has directed the installation of clear warning signs near all speed camera locations.

A primary motivation for the rollout is the protection of vulnerable road users, particularly schoolchildren who represent a significant portion of pedestrian fatalities. President Mahama argued that the implementation of traffic monitoring cannot be delayed until all road repairs are completed, asserting that enforcement and infrastructure improvements must proceed simultaneously. While the system is currently focused on speeding, officials indicated that additional modules to track other traffic infractions are planned for introduction next year.

The TraffiTech-GH initiative is being implemented under an 11-year agreement originally established during the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo. The financial framework of the deal allocates 60% of revenue from fines to the government and 40% to the private firm managing the technology. President Mahama has promised a data-driven evaluation of the system's impact, stating that the government will compare monthly road crash statistics against the previous year's data to demonstrate the system's effectiveness in saving lives.