Ghana's Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) will impose significantly higher fines on motorists who exceed legal speed limits. The new TRAFFITECH-GH enforcement system will introduce progressively increasing financial penalties for speeding offences.
Drivers will incur a fine of 20 penalty units for every 5 kilometres per hour (km/h) they exceed the permitted speed. With each penalty unit valued at GHS 12, this translates to a minimum fine of GHS 240 for every 5 km/h increment above the limit. The penalty amount will escalate further as the degree of speeding increases, directly impacting motorists' finances.
This enforcement push comes as Ghana grapples with a persistent challenge of road traffic accidents and fatalities. Speeding remains a major contributor to these incidents, placing a significant burden on public health services and the national economy. The new system aims to deter reckless driving behaviour and improve road safety across the country, aligning with broader government efforts to enhance public infrastructure and safety standards.
ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, Director of Education, Research and Training at the MTTD, confirmed these details in an interview. He stated that the penalties are firmly supported by existing road traffic regulations, specifically referencing Regulation 242. This regulation provides the legal framework for sanctions against motorists who violate speed restrictions, underscoring the legal basis for the new fines.
The TRAFFITECH-GH system, a technology-driven initiative, was initially scheduled to commence operations on September 29. However, its launch has been rescheduled to November 1. This postponement allows for more extensive public education, sensitisation campaigns, and engagement with relevant stakeholders. The delay aims to ensure that motorists are fully aware of the new regulations and the financial implications of non-compliance before enforcement begins.
The introduction of these higher fines is expected to have a notable impact on driver behaviour and potentially on household budgets. Motorists will need to adjust their driving habits to avoid substantial financial penalties. This measure also reflects a growing commitment by authorities to leverage technology for more effective law enforcement. The increased revenue from fines could also contribute to road safety initiatives or national coffers, though the primary goal is deterrence.
The MTTD's move is part of a broader strategy to modernise traffic management and reduce the economic cost of road accidents. Road crashes not only result in loss of life but also incur significant costs related to medical care, property damage, and lost productivity. Effective enforcement of speed limits is a critical component of this strategy. The success of TRAFFITECH-GH will depend on consistent implementation and public adherence to the new, stricter financial consequences for speeding.