Ghanaian drivers and police call for education on new traffic laws

Ghanaian transport operators and police officials are calling for widespread public education following the passage of new road traffic regulations. The Road Traffic Amendment Bill and subsequent regulations aim to modernize the transport sector by addressing alcohol concentration limits, commercial use of motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles, and vehicle construction standards.

Commercial drivers, represented by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), have expressed support for the laws to improve road safety but noted a lack of prior consultation. Drivers are requesting that the Ministry of Transport and the National Road Safety Authority conduct nationwide stakeholder engagements to ensure both drivers and passengers understand the new requirements before enforcement begins.

Simultaneously, the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service is urging the public to familiarize themselves with the updated framework. The police are also transitioning toward digital enforcement, utilizing electronic devices for traffic stops and developing systems for electronic ticketing and payments to modernize compliance.