Roads not perfect in UK yet they have speed cameras; we can't wait for perfect roads before rolling out TraffiTech – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has defended the introduction of the TraffiTech-GH traffic enforcement system, dismissing arguments that the government should first repair roads and improve traffic infrastructure before enforcing road safety regulations.

He maintained that road safety interventions could not be postponed until road conditions became perfect, particularly when speeding continued to endanger the lives of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users, including schoolchildren.

The President made the remarks while in Antigua ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), following concerns from motorists and commercial transport operators over the rollout of the system.

TraffiTech-GH, introduced by the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service on November 1, uses camera technology to identify traffic violations. Its initial phase is focused on detecting speeding offences.

However, the implementation has generated criticism from some motorists, who argue that authorities should prioritise fixing deteriorating roads and addressing infrastructure gaps, including malfunctioning traffic lights, inadequate road markings and the absence of speed-limit signs.

Some commercial transport operators have also threatened industrial action, citing concerns about the enforcement system and the conditions under which they operate.

Responding to the criticism, President Mahama rejected suggestions that automated traffic enforcement should be delayed until Ghana's roads meet ideal standards.

“I hear they say we should fix the roads before we introduce TraffiTech. It does not work like that. I mean, the roads are not perfect in the UK, yet they have speed cameras,” he said.

He clarified that the current phase of the programme was limited to monitoring speeding, with other traffic offences expected to be brought under the system at a later stage.

“TraffiTech has begun with checking speeding. They have not yet added the other components such as jumping red lights, wrong-way parking and others,” he said.

The technology captures traffic violations and facilitates the issuance of electronic notices to vehicle owners, with the police maintaining that the initial deployment is specifically targeting speeding.