Accra, Ghana: Motorists who exceed the prescribed speed limit will face progressively higher fines under Ghana’s new TRAFFITECH-GH traffic enforcement system, the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) has announced.
Director of Education, Research and Training at the MTTD, ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, said motorists will incur 20 penalty units for every five kilometres per hour (5km/h) above the applicable speed limit.
With one penalty unit currently valued at GH¢12, the fine amounts to GH¢240 for every 5km/h above the prescribed limit.
ACP Obeng explained that the penalty increases as the level of speeding increases.
For example, a motorist who exceeds the speed limit by 10km/h would attract a higher penalty than one exceeding it by 5km/h, with the financial sanction increasing progressively based on the extent of the violation.
MTTD targets speeding
ACP Obeng said the enforcement measure is intended to serve as a strong deterrent to speeding, which remains a major contributor to road crashes and fatalities in Ghana.
He said the enforcement regime is based on existing road traffic regulations and would be applied progressively depending on the extent to which a motorist exceeds the legally permitted speed.
“The law is clear on the penalty for speeding under Regulation 242. Speeding is a canker, and we need to cauterise it. We don’t entertain speeding behaviour.”
He added that the penalty begins at 20 penalty units for every 5km/h above the applicable speed limit.
“One penalty unit is GH¢12, so for every 5 kilometres above, it is 20 penalty units, which is GH¢240. The more you go, the more it goes up.”
TRAFFITECH-GH rollout
The announcement comes as authorities prepare to introduce TRAFFITECH-GH, a technology-driven initiative designed to strengthen enforcement of road traffic regulations across the country.
The system is expected to support authorities in identifying and enforcing traffic violations, particularly speeding offences.
The initiative was initially scheduled for rollout on September 29, but its implementation was subsequently postponed to November 1.
Authorities said the postponement was intended to provide additional time for public education, sensitisation and stakeholder engagement ahead of the nationwide implementation.
Stronger enforcement of traffic laws
The introduction of TRAFFITECH-GH forms part of efforts to improve compliance with road traffic regulations and address dangerous driving behaviour.
The MTTD has urged motorists to observe prescribed speed limits and comply with road safety regulations as enforcement becomes increasingly technology-driven.
The progressive fine system means that motorists who significantly exceed speed limits could face substantially higher financial penalties under the enforcement regime.
Authorities are expected to intensify public education ahead of the November 1 rollout to ensure that motorists understand how the new system will operate and the penalties associated with traffic violations.