… drivers cry foul as nationwide strike looms November 4
By Prince Ahenkorah
Commercial drivers have threatened nationwide shutdown over automated traffic enforcement system, citing alleged unfair fines and failure to address challenges at bus stops.
The newly operationalised TraffiTech-GH automated traffic enforcement system has begun catching motorists who flout road traffic regulations, triggering complaints among commercial drivers over what they describe as unfair enforcement.
The New Republic has gathered intelligence that some drivers in Kumasi have reportedly been arrested and fined GH¢1,000 for various traffic violations detected under the new system.
The development comes amid growing tension between commercial transport operators and authorities over the implementation of the digital traffic monitoring system, with drivers threatening a nationwide sit-down strike on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
The planned industrial action, backed by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other transport associations, is intended to register their displeasure with the enforcement of TraffiTech-GH.
Although the operators insist they are not opposed to the use of technology in traffic management, they argue that the authorities must address the challenges confronting drivers before strictly enforcing the system.
One of their major concerns is the alleged failure to enforce Regulation 142 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), which prohibits traders from occupying bus stops and pedestrian walkways.
According to the drivers, the occupation of designated bus stops by traders, particularly at busy transport terminals such as Kaneshie and Circle, often forces them to pick up and drop off passengers at unauthorised locations.
They contend that penalising drivers for stopping at such locations without addressing the underlying congestion and obstruction amounts to unfair treatment.
TraffiTech-GH is an automated traffic enforcement system developed by the Ghana Police Service to detect road traffic violations, capture evidence and issue electronic fines.
The system uses fixed cameras, mobile and in-vehicle devices, sensors and laser speed-measurement equipment to identify motorists who breach traffic regulations.
Once a suspected violation is detected, photographic or video evidence is transmitted to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) for review and validation.
Motorists found culpable are subsequently issued Electronic Notices of Violation (ENV), which contain details of the alleged offence, vehicle registration number, location, date and time of the violation, applicable fine and payment deadline.
The system is designed to strengthen traffic enforcement, reduce dependence on physical police patrols and improve compliance with road safety regulations.
The automated system covers several road traffic violations, including speeding, running red lights, wrongful overtaking, failure to wear seatbelts, driving with an expired licence, operating vehicles without valid roadworthiness certificates and insurance, as well as the misuse of sirens.
Motorists who receive electronic notices can pay their fines through the government’s Ghana.gov.gh payment platform using mobile money or debit and credit cards.
They can also dial *222#, select option six and follow the instructions to complete payment.
However, motorists who disagree with an alleged violation have 14 days from the date the notice is issued to initiate an online contest.
The process requires them to select a preferred MTTD regional police station and a convenient hearing date. They are subsequently expected to attend the hearing with their ENV reference number and valid identification.
Authorities have also cautioned motorists against fraudulent traffic violation messages, explaining that genuine notifications are sent through the official sender ID, GPS-MTTD, and not ordinary telephone numbers.