Assemblies across the Greater Accra Region have begun dismantling unauthorized billboards following a firm ultimatum issued by the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA). The move comes after weeks of tension between the Authority and local governments over the growing number of unregulated advertising structures that pose safety risks to road users.
The NRSA had earlier given Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) a 21-day deadline, starting from April 30, 2025, to remove all illegal billboards, particularly those mounted on road medians and near intersections. These structures, according to the NRSA, obstruct drivers’ visibility and contribute to road accidents.
The situation escalated when a scheduled stakeholder meeting on May 29, 2025, meant to discuss a compliance roadmap, was largely ignored by the targeted assemblies. According to NRSA Director-General Abraham Amaliba, the absence of key MMDAs was interpreted as “deliberate noncompliance,” prompting the Authority to threaten legal action.
“We invited all of them through the Local Government Ministry,” Amaliba told the media. “Those within Accra, who were required to attend, failed to show up. We are treating their absence as deliberate noncompliance, and we will proceed to sue the assemblies that have ignored our directive”.
The NRSA’s crackdown is part of a broader campaign to restore order and safety on Ghana’s roads. Amaliba emphasized that the Authority had hoped to use the meeting to offer a grace period, but the lack of cooperation left them with no choice but to enforce the law. “This means they are not interested in complying. So, what we are going to do is meet them in court,” he added cited by Graphic Online.
In response to the pressure, several assemblies have now begun taking down unauthorized billboards in their jurisdictions. The NRSA has deployed officers to monitor compliance and assess progress. While some assemblies have acted swiftly, others are still lagging behind, raising concerns about uneven enforcement.
Officials warn that the issue is not just about aesthetics but public safety. Many of the billboards exceed permitted sizes or are placed in locations that distract drivers or block critical sightlines. The NRSA insists that assemblies must take responsibility for regulating advertising within their areas and ensuring that all structures meet safety standards.
As the June 2 deadline passes, the NRSA says it will continue to monitor compliance and pursue legal action where necessary. For now, the message is clear: assemblies that fail to act will be held accountable in court. The crackdown marks a renewed push to prioritize safety over profit—and to remind local authorities of their duty to protect the public.
