TrafficTech, although good, is not backed by law – Lawyer

Legal practitioner Albert Gyamfi says the newly implemented TraffiTech-GH system is illegal, saying that it lacks the necessary legal backing and unfairly imposes traffic fines on vehicle owners rather than the actual offenders. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, November 7, he acknowledged that the technology-driven traffic enforcement initiative was a good idea but insisted that its current implementation raises fundamental legal concerns.

“So, I think TraffiTech, although good, currently is illegal. That’s my main position. It’s illegal,” the Head of Chambers at Gyamfi Legal PRUC in Kumasi said. Mr Gyamfi explained that his position was based on two main concerns: the absence of specific legal provisions supporting the system and the manner in which penalties are imposed. He said that the system targets registered vehicle owners with fines instead of identifying and holding accountable the individuals who actually commit the traffic offences.

“The means by which charges are imposed are also illegal because it imposes fines on the wrong person; that is, it imposes fines on the owners of the vehicle instead of the actual perpetrators of the offence,” he stated. He called for changes to the system, insisting that its current framework must be reviewed to address the legal concerns. “These are my two reasons why I feel TraffiTech currently needs to change,” he added.

Background TraffiTech-GH is an automated traffic enforcement initiative developed by the Ghana Police Service to improve road safety through technology-driven monitoring and detection of traffic offences. The idea dates back to around 2008, when efforts began to introduce camera-based systems to identify traffic offenders and issue spot fines. However, the initiative faced several delays before gaining momentum.

In 2016, an agreement was reached to deploy the system in 2017, but the rollout did not materialise as planned. A public-private partnership agreement was eventually signed on December 23, 2022, for an 11-year period. Public education and the issuance of electronic caution notices began in June 2024, with the Police reportedly sending about 120,000 notices by the end of 2025.

MyJoyOnline The Interior Ministry formally announced the initiative on August 24, 2026, explaining that it would use fixed cameras, mobile cameras, handheld devices and radar systems to capture traffic violations. The Police initially scheduled full implementation for October 1, 2026, but subsequently postponed the enforcement date by a month following concerns about public sensitisation.

The system finally became operational on November 1, 2026, initially targeting speeding offences. Motorists detected exceeding prescribed speed limits receive electronic notices, with 14 days to pay the applicable fines or contest the alleged violations in court. MyJoyOnline+3 The introduction has, however, generated opposition from commercial transport operators, who have questioned the fairness of enforcing traffic regulations while some designated bus stops and pedestrian walkways remain occupied by traders.