Transport operators threaten nationwide strike over TraffiTech-GH rollout on November 1

Commercial transport operators in Ghana have threatened to withdraw their services nationwide from November 1, 2026, over the planned implementation of the TraffiTech-GH automated traffic enforcement system.

The transport operators say they are not adequately prepared for the rollout, insisting that the government and security agencies have failed to address concerns surrounding traders and hawkers occupying designated bus stops and pedestrian walkways.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Concerned Drivers Association, David Agboado, said although public education on the new traffic enforcement system was underway, authorities had not done enough to remove obstructions from roads and designated loading points.

Speaking to Citi News, Mr Agboado stressed that the implementation of TraffiTech-GH must be comprehensive, arguing that authorities should address challenges affecting commercial drivers alongside efforts to enforce traffic regulations.

He questioned whether the relevant authorities had taken action against traders and hawkers occupying bus stops and other spaces designated for public transport operations.

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“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 maintained that while the authorities were preparing to introduce the system on November 1, commercial transport operators were equally unprepared.

“They are ready for November 1. We are also not ready for November 1,” he added.

Transport Operators Demand Clearance of Bus Stops

According to Mr Agboado, the association had previously given the government until October 20, 2026, to clear traders and hawkers from designated bus stops and streets. However, he said the operators had yet to witness the necessary intervention.

He warned that commercial drivers would withdraw their vehicles from the roads if the new enforcement system commenced without addressing their concerns.

Mr Agboado further indicated that operators would not continue working if their vehicles were penalised under circumstances involving road obstructions and the occupation of designated transport spaces.

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“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 stated.

He said the proposed action 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.

The association says the planned withdrawal is intended to compel authorities to address what it describes as outstanding challenges before enforcing the new traffic regulations.

What Is TraffiTech-GH?

TraffiTech-GH is an automated traffic enforcement system developed by the Ghana Police Service to detect selected road traffic offences using surveillance cameras, sensors and other speed-measuring technologies.

The system is scheduled to become operational on November 1, 2026, and is expected to identify offences such as speeding and running red lights.

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Under the system, detected traffic violations will be subjected to review and validation before electronic notices of violation are issued to motorists.

The initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen road traffic enforcement, improve compliance with road safety regulations and enhance evidence collection.

It is also intended to help reduce road accidents, fatalities and injuries across the country.

Police Say Automated Enforcement Will Complement Existing Measures

Meanwhile, the Director of Research, Education and Training at the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), ACP Alexander Obeng, has clarified that TraffiTech-GH will complement existing manual traffic enforcement rather than replace it.

The planned introduction of the system has generated concerns among commercial transport operators, who are calling for authorities to address road obstructions and other operational challenges before its implementation.

With the November 1 deadline approaching, attention is now focused on whether the government and transport unions can resolve their differences to prevent a possible nationwide disruption of commercial transport services.