Raphael Godlove, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), has urged the Ghanaian government, law‑enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to intensify public education on the newly enacted Road Traffic Regulations 2026 (L.I. 2519). The regulations, approved by Parliament on 28 May 2026 and assented to by President John Dramani Mahama on 24 December 2025, introduce automated enforcement, a demerit point system and stricter penalties for traffic offences.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Godlove warned that the success of the reforms would be compromised if the public remains unaware of the new rules. He criticised an overreliance on digital platforms for mass education, noting that many drivers, especially in rural areas, may not have access to smartphones or the internet.
Mr Godlove called on the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), transport unions, driver associations, road agencies and traditional authorities to collaborate on a more inclusive, community‑based campaign. “We need face‑to‑face education, and the relevant authorities must go beyond social media and organise community engagements, public fora and directly sensitise the masses,” he said.
He highlighted that the new framework, which includes the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1153), and the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), introduces automated traffic enforcement systems such as speed and red‑light cameras, a reduction in the permissible blood alcohol concentration for drivers from 0.08 to 0.05, and new requirements for commercial transport operations, vehicle inspections and the commercial use of motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles for passenger services.
“Road traffic laws must not be understood only by people who have smartphones, internet access or the ability to follow discussions on social media,” Mr Godlove added, citing examples of a farmer in Yawsae, a commercial driver at a lorry station and a pedestrian in a rural settlement who all deserve to understand the law.
GloMeF’s appeal comes as the government seeks to ensure the new regulations are effectively implemented across the country. The next step will involve coordinated outreach efforts to reach every road user, regardless of their digital connectivity.
