Motorists in Ghana will face stricter enforcement of road traffic offences from Thursday, October 1, 2026, when the Ghana Police Service begins the full implementation of its automated traffic enforcement programme, TRAFFITECH-GH.
The system will use cameras and other enforcement devices to detect traffic violations. Offenders could face fines and, in some cases, imprisonment.
Under the new enforcement regime, one penalty unit is valued at GH₵12. Using a mobile phone while driving could attract a fine of up to GH₵600 or imprisonment for up to three months.
Drivers who engage in drink or drug driving could face fines ranging from GH₵600 to GH₵2,400. They could also face up to 40 months in prison. Jumping a red light could attract a fine of between GH₵120 and GH₵360. The offence could also result in up to 30 days in prison.
Also, street racing, drag racing and speeding could attract fines ranging from GH₵120 to GH₵300. Offenders could also face up to 30 days’ imprisonment. Motorists who park in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities could face a fine of up to GH₵300 or up to eight months in prison.
Operating a television monitor while driving could attract a fine of up to GH₵300 or up to 30 days in prison.
The regulations also cover commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations. An Okada or Aboboyaa operator operating without authorisation could face a fine ranging from GH₵600 to GH₵1,200 and up to 24 months’ imprisonment.
The rider could face a fine ranging from GH₵300 to GH₵600 or up to eight months in prison.
Commercial transport operators who overcharge passengers could face fines ranging from GH₵120 to GH₵300. They could also face up to 30 days in prison.
Boarding or alighting from a vehicle at an unauthorised location could attract a fine of up to GH₵60 or up to seven days’ imprisonment.
Pedestrians who jaywalk or refuse to use a footbridge could also face a GH₵60 fine or up to seven days in prison.
The rules also prohibit preaching or hawking in a moving trotro or bus. Offenders could face fines ranging from GH₵120 to GH₵600 or up to eight months’ imprisonment. Selling goods on roads or walkways could attract a fine of up to GH₵600 or up to three months in prison.
Washing or repairing a vehicle on the road could result in a fine of up to GH₵300 or up to 30 days’ imprisonment.
The Ghana Police Service says the automated traffic enforcement programme is intended to improve compliance with road traffic laws and promote safer roads.
Under TRAFFITECH-GH, detected offences will first be reviewed before an Electronic Notice of Violation is issued to the vehicle owner or driver. The notice will contain details of the offence and the applicable fine.
The rollout forms part of Ghana’s new road traffic framework, including the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1153) and the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519).
The Ghana Police Service has urged motorists, drivers and vehicle owners to familiarise themselves with the new requirements ahead of the October 1, 2026, enforcement date.
Motorists are therefore encouraged to understand the new road traffic rules and comply with them to avoid fines, penalties and possible imprisonment.
