Excessive speeding causes about 60% of all road fatalities in Ghana. This stark figure comes from the Ghana Police Service, highlighting a critical public safety issue.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Alexander Kwaku Obeng confirmed this alarming statistic. He serves as the Director of Education, Research and Training at the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD). ACP Obeng stated that motorists exceeding speed limits endanger passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.
This issue fits into Ghana's broader challenge of road safety and public health. Road accidents place a significant burden on the healthcare system and national productivity. Previous efforts to curb reckless driving have faced enforcement challenges, contributing to persistent high fatality rates. The economic cost of these accidents, including medical expenses and lost productivity, is substantial for the nation.
“We hope to issue court notices to those who may be violating speed limits in their vehicles,” ACP Obeng said. He spoke during an interview on Joy FM's Super Morning Show. This statement underscores the police's commitment to strict enforcement.
The police are preparing to deploy a new TrafficTech system to combat this problem. This technology will use cameras and other devices to detect and record traffic violations automatically. The system targets dangerous practices like driving above 50 kilometres per hour in school zones. It also targets speeds over 100 kilometres per hour on motorways. The required hardware and software are currently undergoing testing. A back-office system has also been developed to support these enforcement efforts.
The Ministry of Transport will oversee the necessary certification process for the TrafficTech system. Various agencies within the road safety management sub-sector will support this. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the system's effectiveness and legal standing. The initiative is backed by Regulation 242 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2519). This regulation specifically provides for automated road traffic offences and corresponding fines.
In addition to the TrafficTech system, the police are developing a mobile application. This app will allow officers to use handheld devices and smartphones. They can gather evidence of traffic offences directly on the roads. This digital enforcement approach will reduce the need to stop suspected offenders. It will also minimize the practice of taking them to police stations. Evidence captured by these devices can be used to pursue vehicle owners or drivers involved. This streamlines the enforcement process and makes it more efficient.
The deployment of these new technologies marks a significant shift in road safety enforcement. It moves towards a more data-driven and automated approach. This could lead to a noticeable reduction in road fatalities across Ghana. Decision-makers and the public will closely watch the system's implementation and its impact on driver behaviour. The success of this initiative will depend on public awareness and consistent enforcement. It also relies on the seamless operation of the new technological tools. This proactive measure aims to save lives and improve overall road safety for everyone in Ghana.