TrafficTech is good thing but a lot public education needs to be done to get everyone onboard — Akim Swedru MP

The Member of Parliament for Akim Swedru, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, has urged authorities to intensify public education on road traffic regulations as the Ghana Police Service begins implementing the TraffiTech-GH digital enforcement system.

He has also proposed a phased introduction of the technology, starting with major roads in the country’s capital cities while the necessary infrastructure is developed to support its eventual nationwide expansion.

In a Facebook post, the lawmaker expressed concern that many motorists may not have adequate knowledge of Ghana’s road traffic regulations, warning that insufficient public awareness could undermine the effectiveness of the new system.

He called for greater emphasis on road safety education to ensure drivers understand the rules governing road use and the penalties associated with breaches.

“Do you know that it’s a traffic offence to drive below or above the required speed limits on the road? You can actually be arrested and charged for driving below or the approved speed limits but in Ghana some of these road traffic laws are not enforced,” he wrote.

Although he welcomed the introduction of TraffiTech-GH, Mr Osei Nyarko argued that the authorities must do more to educate motorists and secure public cooperation before fully implementing the system.

“I think we don’t do much as a country when it comes to educating the public about road traffic laws or rules in the country. The TrafficTech is good thing but a lot needs to be done to get everyone onboard,” he added.

The MP further recommended that enforcement should initially be concentrated on selected major routes in the capital cities, allowing authorities to put the required facilities in place before extending the system to other roads and communities.

“I will suggest we limit its application to some major routes with the capital cities whilst we put all the necessary infrastructure in place to scale it up to cover other roads or areas which needs strict enforcement,” he stated.

His remarks come as the Ghana Police Service rolls out TraffiTech-GH, an automated traffic monitoring and enforcement platform intended to improve compliance with road safety regulations.

The system uses cameras, sensors and other digital equipment to detect traffic violations, particularly speeding. Footage and other evidence captured by the devices are subsequently examined by authorised police officers before electronic violation notices are issued to vehicle owners.

The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) has said the initial implementation will concentrate on speeding offences, particularly along routes identified as high-risk locations for road crashes.