Accra:Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has raised concerns about the enforcement of speed limits under Ghana's newly implemented Traffitech-GH system. He argues that motorists cannot be expected to adhere to traffic regulations if they have not been adequately informed about them.
According to Ghana Web, Manasseh questioned the rationale behind imposing speed restrictions, particularly around schools, without ensuring that motorists are aware of where these limits apply. In a Facebook post, he highlighted the absence of visible road signs as a major issue, noting that it could make it difficult for drivers to know the applicable speed limits and other traffic regulations.
Manasseh's comments were in response to an educational video by Joseph Kofi Frimpong Ackah-Blay, which detailed how the Traffitech-GH system operates. The system, introduced on November 1, 2026, aims to penalize motorists who surpass prescribed speed limits. He cited school zones as an example, where drivers could be fined for exceeding the 30 km/h speed limit without visible signs indicating the presence of a school.
Drawing on his experience from the United States, Manasseh noted that road signs and traffic regulations were clearly displayed, aiding drivers in identifying applicable speed limits. He pointed out that in Ghana, the situation is different, with not all schools having signposts to alert motorists. He also mentioned the challenge of identifying one-way streets in Accra, where drivers often find out about restrictions only through pedestrians or fellow road users.
Manasseh called for improvements in road signage and markings to accompany the Traffitech-GH system, emphasizing the state's responsibility to provide citizens with adequate information about regulations. He suggested that clear road markings, visible speed-limit signs, and proper identification of roads monitored by speed cameras are necessary to prevent unjust penalties on motorists.
Furthermore, he urged city authorities to reduce obstructions like commercial billboards that hinder motorists' visibility of traffic lights and replace them with adequate road signs. He also proposed that courts consider the fairness of sanctioning motorists for exceeding speed limits in areas lacking proper signage.
In his concluding remarks, Manasseh emphasized that road safety enforcement should align with the state's obligation to clearly communicate traffic regulations to the public.