The Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has officially launched a nationwide public education and sensitisation campaign on Ghana’s new Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1153) and the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519).
The launch, held in Accra, is aimed at improving road safety in Ghana, strengthening traffic law enforcement and ensuring that motorists, commuters and transport operators understand the new legal requirements.
The nationwide exercise will target drivers, passengers, commercial transport operators, fleet owners, law enforcement agencies and other road users as part of efforts to reduce road crashes and promote responsible road use.
How Ghana’s New Road Traffic Laws Were Developed
According to the Transport Minister, the development of the new road traffic laws in Ghana followed a comprehensive and participatory process.
The government engaged key stakeholders, including transport operators, road safety experts, the Ghana Police Service, road safety advocates, logistics companies, Okada Riders’ Associations, Parliamentary Committees, the National Insurance Commission (NIC) and automotive standards experts.
Following the consultations, Parliament passed the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1153), which was assented to by the President on December 24, 2025.
Parliament subsequently approved the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519) on May 28, 2026, providing practical guidelines for implementing the amended road traffic law.
Key Changes Under the New Road Traffic Regulations
The new legislation introduces several major reforms designed to strengthen traffic enforcement and road safety across Ghana.
Among the key measures are the introduction of automated traffic enforcement systems, including speed cameras and red-light cameras. A demerit point system linked to drivers’ licences has also been introduced.
The new regulations further provide for stricter penalties for serious traffic offences, while the legal blood alcohol limit has been reduced from 0.08 to 0.05.
Commercial and public transport operators will also be required to meet stricter safety standards. These include the use of mandatory speed limiters, axle-load controls and regulations governing the commercial use of motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles for transporting fare-paying passengers.
Government Calls for Cooperation on Road Safety
Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe stressed that the success of the new Road Traffic Regulations 2026 will depend largely on effective implementation and cooperation among all stakeholders.
Institutions expected to play a key role include the Ministry of Transport, National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), National Insurance Commission (NIC), Ghana Highways Authority, transport unions and pedestrians.
The Minister urged transport operators, law enforcement agencies, media organisations and members of the public to take responsibility for understanding and complying with the new traffic laws.
He emphasised the importance of making road safety a daily responsibility, noting that no Ghanaian should lose their life simply because they are travelling from one location to another.
Road Safety Campaign to Cover All 16 Regions
The nationwide sensitisation programme will be rolled out across all 16 regions of Ghana.
The campaign is expected to increase public awareness of the new traffic laws, improve compliance among motorists and transport operators, and contribute to efforts to reduce road accidents, traffic violations and fatalities in Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com