TraffiTech-GH: Akim Swedru MP credits NPP with initiating project

The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Roads and Transport Committee, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, says the development of the TraffiTech-GH traffic enforcement system dates back to the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, with pilot studies conducted in 2023.

The Akim Swedru MP said the initiative had undergone several years of preparation before the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service commenced its implementation.

Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM, Mr Nyarko explained that the system was introduced to address indiscipline among motorists and improve road safety.

“I remember the process started under the previous administration. A pilot, a whole-year pilot, was conducted. I remember in 2023, pilot studies were conducted, and the reason behind the introduction of the TraffiTech is to curb or to mitigate or minimise the indiscipline of drivers on our roads and also to enhance road safety on our roads,” he said.

Mr Nyarko described the introduction of the technology as a positive development, expressing optimism that it would encourage motorists to comply with traffic regulations and promote discipline on the country’s roads.

Despite his support for the initiative, the lawmaker raised concerns about the level of public sensitisation undertaken before the system’s rollout.

He argued that the government should have invested more in educating motorists and the general public about the technology, its operations and the objectives behind its introduction.

“Something important like this, TraffiTech, which will help to bring a lot of discipline on our roads and also promote road safety measures, one would have thought that the government would have spent a lot of money to educate the people. But I think the education didn’t go well,” he said.

He emphasised that effective public education would be crucial to ensuring that motorists understood how the system works and appreciated its importance in improving road safety.

He said adequate sensitisation would help promote compliance with traffic regulations and ensure the technology achieved its intended purpose of reducing driver indiscipline and enhancing safety on Ghana’s roads.