MTTD Outlines Motorist Responsibilities as TraffiTech-GH Automated Enforcement Takes Effect

The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) has moved to clarify what motorists need to know about TraffiTech-GH, the government's new automated traffic enforcement system, as the programme begins issuing electronic violation notices to vehicle owners across the country.

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, ACP Alexander Obeng, Director of Education at the MTTD, addressed key concerns surrounding the system and explained the responsibilities now placed on motorists under the digital enforcement framework.

The system, which officially went live on November 1, 2026, uses cameras mounted in police vehicles and on tripods to capture vehicles exceeding prescribed speed limits . Unlike traditional roadside policing, TraffiTech-GH allows officers to gather evidence without necessarily stopping drivers, impounding vehicles, or taking motorists to police stations and motor courts .

How It Works

Under the arrangement, cameras record vehicles travelling above the legal limits—currently 50km/h in towns, 90km/h on highways, and 100km/h on motorways . The footage is processed by the MTTD, which then sends electronic violation notices via SMS to the phone numbers of vehicle owners registered with the department . The notices carry the official sender identification GPS-MTTD and include a link through which recipients can access video evidence showing the date, time, and location of the alleged offence .

Motorists who receive these notices have 14 days to either pay the prescribed fine or challenge the allegation in court . The MTTD has emphasised that the system is designed to complement, not replace, physical police presence on the roads .

Emergency Exceptions

ACP Obeng has also addressed scenarios where motorists may exceed speed limits out of necessity. Motorists rushing patients to hospital in an emergency can contest fines by submitting certified evidence through the TraffiTech-GH online portal, where a panel will review their claims . He advised such drivers to obtain official documentation confirming the circumstances and upload it for review.

Payment and Fraud Warnings

The Ghana Police Service has issued a separate caution urging motorists to verify the authenticity of any violation notice before making payments. Commissioner of Police Grace Ansah-Akrofi stressed that legitimate notices originate only from the GPS-MTTD sender ID and will not come from ordinary mobile phone numbers . Payments can be made through the National Investment Bank payment portal at https://traffitech-ghpay.nib.com.gh or via the USSD code 7100#, using the ticket number provided .

Motorists have been warned against paying fines into personal mobile money numbers or unofficial accounts, with the Police Service providing a contact line—059 692 2402—for assistance and clarification .

Political and Public Scrutiny

The rollout has not been without controversy. President John Dramani Mahama has defended the system, citing statistics from 2025 showing 2,151 road deaths and 474 pedestrian knockdowns, many attributed to excessive speeding . He described TraffiTech as a shift from manual enforcement to technology-driven monitoring that would help minimise disputes between motorists and police officers.

However, IMANI Africa's Bright Simons, speaking on the same Newsfile programme, raised concerns about the legal basis for additional penalties, including a reported daily 1% surcharge for non-payment and potential restrictions on licence renewal . He also cautioned that the discretion to relocate mobile cameras could create opportunities for abuse. Simons noted that while the broader framework identifies between 40 and 47 traffic offences, the current enforcement focus is limited to speeding alone .

The MTTD has indicated that additional features, including red-light violation detection and illegal parking enforcement, are expected to be activated next year . For now, ACP Obeng's message to motorists remains straightforward: observe the speed limits, verify any notices received through official channels, and use the designated processes to pay or contest fines.