Commercial transport operators have threatened a nationwide withdrawal of services from November 1, 2026, warning that the planned introduction of the TraffiTech-GH digital traffic enforcement system could trigger an industrial-style protest if authorities fail to address what they describe as unfair road conditions
The operators argue that while government and the Ghana Police Service are preparing to enforce stricter traffic regulations through the new technology, little has been done to address the occupation of designated bus stops and pedestrian walkways by traders and hawkers.
National Public Relations Officer of the Concerned Drivers Association, David Agboado, said transport operators would not accept a situation where drivers were held accountable for traffic violations while authorities ignored obstructions that made it difficult for them to operate within the law.
Speaking to Citi News, Mr Agboado maintained that the enforcement system should be implemented alongside measures to restore order at bus stops and other designated spaces for commercial transport operations.
He questioned whether authorities had taken steps to remove traders and hawkers who had occupied spaces intended for the loading and unloading of passengers.
“The bus stops that have been taken over by the traders, the hawkers and other things, have they dealt with that place also? Because the whole thing must be holistic, not pick and choose something,” he said.
Mr Agboado disclosed that the association had previously given government until October 20 to address the situation but claimed that the deadline had passed without the expected intervention.
He consequently warned that commercial drivers would withdraw their vehicles from the roads if the digital enforcement system commenced without their concerns being addressed.
“They are ready for November 1. We are also not ready for November 1,” he declared.
He further stated that operators had reached an agreement to suspend commercial transport services nationwide if any of their members were penalised under circumstances they considered unfair.
“On November 1, when TraffiTech starts its operation, and a commercial vehicle has been caught in that manner, we the commercial operators, none of us is going to move our vehicle,” he warned.
According to him, the decision had received the backing of several transport associations, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), the Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA), Tiger and Cooperative.
Mr Agboado insisted that the planned action was intended to compel authorities to address the concerns of commercial operators before proceeding with the enforcement exercise.
The threatened shutdown comes as the Ghana Police Service prepares to introduce TraffiTech-GH, an automated traffic enforcement system designed to detect selected road traffic offences through cameras, sensors and other speed-measurement devices.
The system, scheduled to commence operations on November 1, 2026, will capture offences including speeding and running red lights. The recorded evidence will subsequently undergo review and validation before electronic notices of violation are issued to motorists.
Authorities say the initiative is intended to improve compliance with road traffic regulations, strengthen evidence gathering and reduce road crashes, fatalities and injuries.
Meanwhile, the Director of Research, Education and Training at the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), ACP Alexander Obeng, has clarified that the technology will complement existing manual traffic enforcement rather than replace it.
With the November 1 commencement date approaching, the standoff between transport operators and authorities raises concerns about a possible nationwide disruption of commercial transport services and the potential impact on commuters if the two sides fail to reach an understanding.
