Commercial transport operators have threatened to suspend services across Ghana on November 1 if authorities proceed with the full rollout of Traffitech-GH without clearing traders from designated bus stops and pedestrian walkways.
The warning was issued by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union of the Trades Union Congress, the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana in a joint statement dated October 31.
The groups say their members will park their vehicles once the automated traffic enforcement system becomes operational unless government and the Ghana Police Service address their concerns.
Traffitech-GH is scheduled for full implementation on November 1 after the police postponed its original October 1 start date to allow additional public education.
The system uses cameras, radar and other digital equipment to detect traffic offences and issue electronic notices of violation.
Drivers Say Bus Stops Remain Blocked
The transport operators said they had earlier given authorities until October 20 to clear traders from areas legally designated for buses and pedestrians.
According to the groups, that deadline passed without the action they expected.
They cited Kaneshie, Circle, Madina, Kasoa and Kejetia among areas where traders allegedly continue to occupy bus stops, making it difficult for commercial drivers to pick up and drop off passengers at designated points.
Their concern is that camera enforcement could penalise drivers for stopping outside designated spaces when those spaces are already unavailable.
“This shows clearly that Government wants to use TRAFFITECH-GH to extort money from innocent drivers while leaving traders to take over our legally designated spaces,” the statement said.
That allegation has not been established independently, and the government and police had not responded publicly to it at the time of the latest reporting.
‘You Cannot Digitalize Illegality’
The unions insist they are not opposed to technology-based traffic enforcement in principle.
Their argument is that enforcement should come after the government has ensured that drivers can comply with the rules they are being monitored against.
“We will not operate under an unfair and unjust system. You cannot digitalize illegality,” the groups said.
The GPRTU had earlier called for the full implementation of Traffitech-GH to be pushed into 2027, citing concerns about preparedness, infrastructure and the level of public education.
The police, on the other hand, say the system is intended to reduce road indiscipline, improve compliance with traffic rules and complement the work of officers rather than replace manual enforcement.
Commuters Warned to Prepare
The transport groups have advised commuters to make alternative arrangements from November 1 if the dispute remains unresolved.
“The Government will be fully responsible for any inconvenience this action will cause,” the statement said.
A nationwide suspension by commercial drivers could significantly affect workers, traders and students who rely heavily on tro-tros, taxis and other shared transport services.
The groups said the latest warning follows an October 13 press conference where they first demanded that authorities reclaim bus stops and pedestrian walkways before full enforcement begins.
The statement was signed by officials from the GPRTU, Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana and Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana.
With the November 1 rollout hours away, attention now turns to whether the authorities will engage the operators or proceed with implementation as scheduled.
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