Excerpt
The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) is a specialized unit within the Ghana Police Service, established in 1952 to oversee road safety and traffic management across the nation. Initially known as the Ghana Police Traffic Unit, it was restructured in 1981 following recommendations from the Justice Archer Commission, leading to its current designation as the MTTD.
Constitutional Mandate
The MTTD is legally mandated to enforce road traffic regulations, ensuring discipline and safety on Ghana’s roads. Key legislative frameworks guiding its operations include the Road Traffic Act 683, the Road Traffic Regulation 2012 (L.I. 2180), and the Ghana Highway Code of 1974.
Leadership and Ranks
The department is headed by the Director-General, who reports directly to the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The Director-General’s responsibilities encompass compiling accident reports, formulating policies for effective performance, conducting research on emerging challenges in the motor traffic and road safety sector, and liaising with relevant agencies for training interventions.
Offices and Units
The MTTD operates nationwide, with offices in various regions and districts to manage local traffic and transport issues. It collaborates with other agencies, such as the National Road Safety Authority and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), to enhance road safety measures.
Mode of Appointment and Recruitment
Recruitment into the MTTD is conducted through the Ghana Police Service’s standard enlistment procedures. Prospective candidates undergo rigorous training at police academies before being assigned to the MTTD. The recruitment process emphasizes discipline, integrity, and a commitment to public service.
Oversight and Ownership
As a department within the Ghana Police Service, the MTTD falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior. Its operations are aligned with national policies on law enforcement and public safety.
Partners and Stakeholders
The MTTD collaborates with several key stakeholders to promote road safety, including:
- National Road Safety Authority
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA)
- Transport Associations
- Ghana National Insurance Commission
- Ghana Automobile Distribution Association
- Government Technical Training Centre
- National Drivers Academy
- The Judiciary
- The Motoring Public
Operations and Job Roles
The MTTD’s core functions include:
- Educating road users on safe practices
- Enforcing traffic laws and regulations
- Investigating road accidents
- Compiling and publishing accident statistics
- Providing escorts for the President, state, and foreign dignitaries
Additionally, the department develops public education and sensitization programs, revamps and streamlines operations of the Driver Training and Motor Riding School, and collaborates with road safety stakeholders for effective law enforcement and traffic management.
Historical Reforms
- In recent years, the MTTD has embraced technological advancements to enhance its operations. Notably, the introduction of “Traffitech-GH,” an automated system developed in collaboration with the National Road Safety Authority, aims to enforce road traffic laws more effectively. This system utilizes cameras and sensors to detect violations such as speeding and running red lights, thereby improving compliance and reducing road traffic incidents.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_Transport_and_Traffic_Directorate
- https://police.gov.gh/en/index.php/road-safety-agencies/
- https://police.gov.gh/en/index.php/administration-mttd/
- https://www.dvla.gov.gh/about.php
- https://police.gov.gh/en/index.php/page-template/careers/
- https://www.modernghana.com/news/1255681/mttd-goes-digital-introduces-new-technology-to.html
- https://www.recruitmentform.net/ghana-ministry-of-transport-recruitment/
- https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Editorial-by-Ghanaian-Times-Run-Traffitech-GH-but-never-abandon-traffic-lights-1838519
- https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/11769037
- https://www.ama.gov.gh/department-details.php?d=MTU%3D
- https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Motor_Transport_and_Traffic_Directorate
- https://mot.gov.gh/10/16/1/97/
- https://everydaynewsgh.com/job-vacancies/police-aptitude-test-exams-questions-answers/
- https://www.ghana.gov.gh/mdas/f88a8c4e8d/