Alarming: Gov’t reveals road accidents disfigure 4,000 citizens annually.

According to Mbamone, beyond the physical and psychological trauma suffered by victims, accidents impose a heavy economic burden on the country. 

“Traffic accidents cost our economy around 800 billion FCFA every year,” Mbamome revealed. 

He noted that the figures highlight a crisis fueled largely by risky behaviour on the roads. Mbamone cited among them; over speeding, the use of mobile phones while driving, failure to respect traffic signals and poor compliance with administrative requirements such as insurance and roadworthiness tests.

He said accidents are no longer measured only in deaths but other variables such as those who end up disabled after an accident.

For many families, he said, the consequences are irreversible viz; loss of income, long-term medical expenses and social exclusion of those who survive with disabilities.

The government, he said, has introduced a new tool aimed at changing driver behaviour- automated video ticketing.

The system, he said, entered its pilot phase in December 2025 and marked a turning point in the country’s approach to road safety enforcement. 

According to the Ministry of Transport, the initiative directly targets the most frequent forms of incivility responsible for road crashes.

At the heart of the system, he said, are next-generation smart cameras capable of monitoring traffic in real time. For the first time in Cameroon, the Director said Artificial Intelligence, AI, is being used to detect offenses automatically. 

“For the first time in the history of road safety in Cameroon, Artificial Intelligence based on the video ticketing system is being used to address the issue of traffic accidents on our roads,” Mbamome explained.

He noted that the process is designed to operate without human intervention. Once an offense is detected, the system, he explained, captures an image, identifies the vehicle’s license plate and transmits the information to a secure server at the Ministry of Transport.

He stated that vehicles are not stopped on the road, reducing the risk of confrontation and limiting opportunities for corruption.

Mbamome further stated that beyond traffic violations, the platform also integrates administrative checks. 

The Director said it can instantly verify whether a vehicle has undergone a valid technical inspection, whether it is insured, reported stolen, or whether the driver’s license has been suspended. 

Authorities, he said, see the feature as essential for strengthening accountability and traceability within the transport sector.

Experts on the other hand have hailed the initiative while insisting on the fact that some important questions remain unanswered. 

They worry that the ministry does not specify how motorists will be notified of offenses, how fines will be enforced, or how disputes will be handled. 

Others have suggested that as the pilot phase unfolds, the effectiveness and public acceptance of automated video ticketing will largely depend on the clarity, transparency and fairness of its implementation.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3665 of Tuesday January 06, 2026