Ghana recorded 2,949 road deaths in 2025, the highest in 35 years and an 18.2% increase from 2024. Speeding caused over 60% of these collisions. Against this backdrop, the government introduced the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), aiming to curb the rising toll. But the rollout faces resistance from transport unions and experts who warn the law’s broad penalties and rapid enforcement risk failure.
L.I. 2519 covers dozens of offences, from street racing and jumping red lights to preaching in moving vehicles, which now carries a jail term of three to eight months, up from 30 days. Fines range from 5 to 200 penalty units, each worth GH¢12. The criminalisation of such a wide range of behaviours at once raises concerns about drivers unknowingly violating the law. The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has criticized the lack of consultation, saying members remain unaware of many new rules. “How can drivers comply with a law they do not understand?” the union asked.
The Ministry of Transport launched a nationwide education campaign in September 2026. Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe acknowledged it was “necessary to help drivers, transport operators, motor unions and other road users understand their responsibilities.” Yet one month of sensitization is unlikely to prepare drivers for dozens of new offences and harsh penalties. The GPRTU insists enforcement should wait until education is thorough. “Penalizing people for violations they did not know existed is not enforcement, it is ambush,” said the union.
Another hurdle is enforcement infrastructure. CUTS International, a policy think tank, called on the government to delay full enforcement until traffic lights and road markings are inspected and repaired. They reported some traffic lights in Accra are obscured by overgrown trees or malfunctioning, with faded lane markings and stop lines adding confusion for drivers. “The purpose of TRAFFITECH-GH is safer roads, not tickets arising from traffic lights drivers could not see,” CUTS said.
The Ghana Police Service pushed back the full implementation date from October 1 to November 1 to allow for “more extensive public awareness and education.” This move acknowledged the original timeline was rushed.
The GPRTU also warned that new licensing requirements could increase costs for commercial drivers. Members could face paying for three licences: a professional driver’s licence, a commercial driver’s licence, and existing Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly (MMDA) permits. The union’s deputy PRO said, “It will not help businesses because if it happens like that, then it means we will be paying too much, increasing our operational cost.”
Additional costs arise from a new mandatory towing requirement. Vehicle owners must now have towing insurance or subscribe to a towing service. The previous 30-minute to one-hour grace period has been removed; vehicles must be towed immediately after breakdown. After 21 days, vehicles can be auctioned. GPRTU opposes the auction rule, arguing no one would intentionally leave a vehicle on the road and owners should be allowed to reclaim vehicles after paying towing and storage fees.
These costs risk making compliance unaffordable. When obeying the law becomes more expensive than violating it, drivers face a difficult choice.
The government has urged a phased rollout prioritizing fatal offences like speeding, drunk driving, red-light running, and enforcing motorcycle helmet use. Such targeted enforcement would address the largest causes of accidents. Motorcycle crashes rose 19.4% in 2025, with 6,548 motorcycles involved in collisions.
The broad scope of L.I. 2519, combined with inadequate preparation and rising costs, risks undermining its effectiveness. The government’s postponement of enforcement and call for public education indicate recognition of these challenges. The debate continues over whether Ghana’s roads will become safer or drivers will find the new regulations too costly and confusing to follow.
According to Joy Online.
