NRSA orders road agencies to repair lights for TraffiTech-GH

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has directed the Ghana Highway Authority and the Department of Urban Roads to carry out urgent repairs on faulty traffic lights, missing road signs, and faded pavement markings nationwide. This directive follows the official commencement of TraffiTech-GH, a digital traffic enforcement system that began operations on November 1, 2026. The NRSA emphasized that functional road infrastructure is a prerequisite for the system’s effectiveness, warning that neglecting these repairs could compromise road safety and the integrity of the automated enforcement process.

TraffiTech-GH is an automated system designed to detect traffic violations such as speeding and jumping red lights using a network of high-resolution cameras, radar, and sensors. The project carries a total cost of GH₵77.73m over an 11-year period and operates on a revenue-sharing model where the government receives 60% of fine revenues, while a private partner receives 40%. By providing consistent monitoring even in the absence of police officers, the initiative aims to foster a more disciplined driving culture and reduce the high rate of road accidents in Ghana.

However, the NRSA and road safety advocates have noted that the system's success depends heavily on the quality of the environment it monitors. For cameras and sensors to accurately identify violations, road markings must be visible and traffic signals must function reliably. There are also calls for the government to ensure that its share of the revenue is strategically reinvested into the Ghana Road Fund to finance ongoing maintenance. Beyond speeding, observers have pointed out that the system must eventually address broader issues, such as the indiscriminate stopping of commercial vehicles and unsafe maneuvers by motorcyclists.

As the rollout progresses, the NRSA has requested that road agencies provide specific timelines for the completion of the necessary infrastructure improvements. The authority maintains that while technology is a powerful tool for enforcement, a holistic approach that integrates automated monitoring with superior road engineering and signage is essential for achieving long-term safety goals. The focus remains on shifting the narrative from mere fine collection to a measurable reduction in road-related injuries and fatalities.