'We are not ready for November 1' — Transport operators threaten nationwide strike over TraffiTech-GH rollout

Commercial transport operators have threatened to withdraw their vehicles from the roads nationwide from November 1, 2026, in opposition to the planned introduction of the TraffiTech-GH digital traffic enforcement system.

The operators say they are not ready for the rollout, accusing the authorities of failing to address concerns over traders and hawkers who have taken over designated bus stops and pedestrian walkways.

National Public Relations Officer of the Concerned Drivers Association, David Agboado, said the government and the police had not done enough to create the conditions necessary for commercial transport operators to comply with the new system.

Speaking to Citi News, Mr Agboado argued that the implementation of TraffiTech-GH must involve a comprehensive approach that addresses both motorists' responsibilities and the obstruction of public spaces by traders.

“The bus stops that have been taken over by the traders, the hawkers and other things, have they dealt with that place also? Because the whole thing must be holistic, not pick and choose something,” he said.

He maintained that while the authorities were prepared to commence the exercise on November 1, commercial transport operators were not equally prepared.

“They are ready for November 1. We are also not ready for November 1,” he added.

Mr Agboado said the association had previously given the government until October 20 to remove traders and hawkers from the streets but claimed little progress had been made.

He warned that operators would park their vehicles if the digital enforcement system commenced without their concerns being addressed.

“On November 1, when TraffiTech starts its operation, and a commercial vehicle has been caught in that manner, we the commercial operators, none of us is going to move our vehicle,” he said.

According to him, the planned action has the backing of several transport groups, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), the Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA), Tiger and Cooperative.

“I am saying it because it is an agreement that we have all agreed that no vehicle should move so they do what is right,” he added.

TraffiTech-GH is an automated traffic enforcement initiative developed by the Ghana Police Service to identify selected road traffic violations through cameras, sensors and other speed-detection equipment.

The system is expected to become operational on November 1, 2026, and will capture offences such as speeding and running red lights. The recorded evidence will undergo review and validation before electronic notices of violation are sent to offending motorists.

The initiative is intended to strengthen compliance with road traffic regulations, improve the collection of evidence and contribute to reducing road crashes, fatalities and injuries.

Meanwhile, Director of Research, Education and Training at the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), ACP Alexander Obeng, has clarified that the system will support existing manual traffic enforcement rather than replace it.