Motorists in Ghana can make phone calls through hands-free Bluetooth devices while driving without automatically committing an offence, the Ghana Police Service has clarified, following a warning by the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) that such calls could attract a fine of up to GH₵600 or a three-month jail term.

The clarification comes after Samuel Adu Gyimah, Programmes Manager of the NRSA in the Ashanti Region, cautioned drivers against using Bluetooth and other hands-free devices while behind the wheel, arguing that the new road traffic regulations prohibit phone use while driving, whether or not the device is physically held.

Speaking on Luv FM on October 26, 2026, Gyimah maintained that drivers could be prosecuted if cameras captured them making calls through Bluetooth systems.

“It is an offence [making calls through Bluetooth or hands-free devices] because you are still using the phone,” he said.

“The underlying word is don't use your phone and drive. We are not saying don't touch your phone or Bluetooth. You may have your Bluetooth device around your neck, but the moment it is established through the cameras that you are using your phone whilst driving, [it is an offence],” he added.

He further warned that motorists found guilty of the offence could face a fine of up to GH₵600, imprisonment for three months, or both.

“We are saying that if you are driving using a phone and you are captured, you are going to pay up to 600 Ghana Cedis or you will be imprisoned for three months or both,” Gyimah stated.

However, the Ghana Police Service subsequently offered a different interpretation of the law, clarifying that speaking through a Bluetooth hands-free system or a vehicle's wireless phone connection is not, in itself, an offence.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Alexander Kwaku Obeng, Director of Education, Research and Training at the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), gave the clarification during an interview on Joy FM on October 28.

According to him, Regulation 132 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), prohibits drivers from holding, using or operating a mobile phone or another communication device in one or both hands while driving.

He stressed that the law does not prohibit conversation through a hands-free Bluetooth system, although physically handling a phone while driving could amount to an offence, particularly where it interferes with a driver's concentration or control of the vehicle.

ACP Obeng cautioned motorists against repeatedly touching or operating their phones while driving, explaining that such behaviour could divert their attention from the road.

Under Regulation 132, an offender, upon summary conviction, faces a fine of up to 50 penalty units, imprisonment for up to three months, or both. With each penalty unit valued at GH₵12, the maximum fine amounts to GH₵600.

The regulation also provides an exception for drivers who need to contact the Police, Fire Service or another emergency service when stopping their vehicles would be unsafe or impracticable.

The new road traffic framework, comprising the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1153) and the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), is part of efforts to strengthen road safety and improve enforcement.

The Ministry of Transport says Act 1153 received presidential assent on December 24, 2025, while L.I. 2519 was approved by Parliament on May 28, 2026.

The regulations also provide for automated traffic enforcement, including the use of cameras and sensors to detect certain road traffic violations under the Traffitech-GH system.

Gyimah had earlier explained that the restriction on phone use was intended to minimise distractions and prevent drivers from losing concentration while navigating the roads.

He also referred to the previous Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), arguing that restrictions on distractions in vehicles were not entirely new.

The NRSA official maintained that even when drivers keep both hands on the steering wheel, engaging in a phone conversation could take their minds away from the responsibility of driving.

The Police clarification, however, draws an important distinction for motorists: making a hands-free Bluetooth call is not automatically illegal, but holding or operating a phone while driving is prohibited under the new regulations.

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