CUTS International urges delay to TRAFFITECH traffic enforcement rollout

Pinned summary · as of 22:07

The think tank CUTS International wants the planned rollout of the TRAFFITECH road traffic technology held back until problems with road infrastructure are fixed. The group points to faulty traffic lights, road markings and speed-limit signs at enforcement locations.

What we know

• CUTS International has called for the planned TRAFFITECH rollout to be delayed until critical road infrastructure has been repaired.
• The group has singled out faulty traffic lights, road markings and speed-limit signs at enforcement locations as the problems to be dealt with first.

What's disputed / unconfirmed

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  The Ghanaian Times reported that CUTS International described the rollout as due to start the day after its statement, while Onua Online cited 1 November as the start date and said preparations were continuing.
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  According to the Ghanaian Times, CUTS International warned that activating automated enforcement while the roads are in their current state might penalise drivers for breaches that were out of their hands, since signals and markings were unclear or invisible. The group also said it backs the use of technology to improve compliance and reduce crashes.
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  Appiah Kusi Adomako, Executive Director of CUTS International, told Onua Online in an interview that Ghana should not hurry the implementation. He proposed moving the start from November to January 2027, saying a single month was too short.
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  Onua Online reported that Mr Adomako asked for displaced traffic lights to be realigned, faulty signal heads restored, vegetation around traffic equipment trimmed and key road markings repainted, and for visible speed-limit signage ahead of each TRAFFITECH-GH camera and at every point where the limit changes.
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  Onua Online reported that Mr Adomako was unsure the Department of Urban Roads can afford to mend every damaged signal, and urged that implementation be paced until the repairs are done.
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  Onua Online reported that Mr Adomako wants public education broadened towards social media plus meetings in communities and town halls, with drivers told in advance of full implementation. He also said the technology could cut direct contact between motorists trying to avoid penalties and police officers.
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  Onua Online reported that the police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) expects TRAFFITECH to raise adherence to traffic rules and help curb indiscipline on the roads, and that the department is stepping up its public education campaign.

Why it matters for Ghana

Motorists in Ghana's cities could face automated fines once the cameras are active, so the condition of traffic lights, markings and signs bears directly on whether penalties are fair. CUTS International argues that unclear signals could leave drivers penalised for things they could not avoid. The response of the authorities will shape how prepared road users and the roads themselves are for the new system.