Billboards are everywhere in Accra, promoting businesses, events, and products. However, not all of them are placed responsibly. Many obstruct drivers’ visibility, making it harder to spot pedestrians or other vehicles. Others serve as distractions, pulling drivers’ attention away from the road and increasing the risk of accidents.
The issue is particularly concerning near footbridges, which are meant to ensure pedestrian safety. Instead of helping people cross safely, these areas have become accident hotspots due to poorly positioned billboards.
The NRSA’s Response
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) is taking bold steps to improve road safety in the Greater Accra Region. In a decisive move, the NRSA has issued a 21-day ultimatum to all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to remove unauthorized billboards mounted along road medians and highways.
Road Safety Statistics
Concerns about billboard-related accidents have been raised as part of broader road safety challenges in Accra. According to the Accra Road Safety Report, road crash fatalities declined by 14% in 2023. However, vulnerable road users—such as pedestrians and motorcyclists—still accounted for 82% of deaths. While billboards are not explicitly listed as a primary cause of accidents, public complaints suggest they contribute to obstructed visibility and distractions near high-risk areas.
NRSA’s Ultimatum
NRSA Managing Director Abraham Amaliba revealed that 29 MMDAs have already received official compliance notices. These notices direct local authorities to dismantle billboards that pose risks to pedestrian safety or distract motorists.
Amaliba emphasized that the NRSA is committed to enforcing this directive. Assemblies that fail to act within the 21-day period could face legal action, ensuring that public safety remains a top priority.
Public Complaints Spark Action
The crackdown follows numerous complaints from the public about the dangers posed by unauthorized billboards. Residents have voiced concerns about how these structures obstruct visibility and create unnecessary distractions, particularly in high-traffic areas.
The NRSA’s directive is part of a broader effort to make Accra’s roads safer for all—drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.
What’s Next?
The NRSA is closely monitoring the situation to ensure compliance. Assemblies are expected to act swiftly, removing billboards that violate safety regulations.
Should the assemblies fail to comply, the NRSA has pledged to take legal action. This could include fines or other penalties, sending a clear message that road safety cannot be compromised.
A Step Toward Safer Roads
This initiative marks a crucial step in improving road safety in Accra. By enforcing stricter billboard regulations, authorities are working to prevent unnecessary distractions and ensure safer streets for everyone.
