In the busy streets of Accra, big billboards have been a common part of advertising for a long time. In recent times, however, too many of them have been placed carelessly, making our roads less motorable and dangerous for users. As a way to declutter the several billboards scattered around Ghana’s major cities, Acting Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Abraham Amaliba, is leading a campaign to fix this problem.
The growing danger of billboards
For years, Ghana’s roads have been cluttered with poorly positioned billboards, obstructing visibility for drivers and pedestrians alike. These structures, often placed on road medians and sharp bends, create blind spots that increase the risk of accidents. According to the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Ghana recorded 2,276 road fatalities in 2023, with numbers continuing to rise into 2024.
The issue gained widespread attention after a viral video exposed the dangers of billboards mounted on a curved median at the East Airport, Accra. The video, shared by a concerned citizen, highlighted how these structures blocked pedestrians’ view of oncoming vehicles, making road crossings perilous. In response, Amaliba and the NRSA launched an inspection of billboard placements, vowing to take action against unauthorized installations, as cited by Modern Ghana.
Leading the charge is Abraham Amaliba, a seasoned advocate for road safety. His mission is clear: remove hazardous billboards and enforce stricter regulations to prevent future risks. Speaking on the issue, reported by modern Ghana Amaliba stated, “We invited you here to assess the situation. A concerned citizen brought this issue to our attention, showing that these billboards pose a danger to road users, especially pedestrians,”
Upon assessing the situation, Amaliba confirmed the concerns raised in the viral video, stating, “The height of the billboards and their arrangement make it difficult for pedestrians to see oncoming vehicles, especially at the bend in the road,”.
His approach is in twofold—first, identifying billboards that violate safety regulations, and second, ensuring that municipal assemblies enforce stricter permit requirements before approving new installations. Amaliba has also emphasized the need for public vigilance, urging citizens to report hazardous billboards to authorities, as noted by Modern Ghana.
A shift in urban planning
The crackdown signals a major shift in Ghana’s urban planning. For years, billboard permits were issued with little regard for road safety or prioritizing revenue over public welfare. Now, with Amaliba’s leadership, the NRSA is working to redefine billboard regulations, ensuring that advertising does not come at the cost of human lives.
Municipal assemblies are being held accountable, with investigations underway to determine whether advertisers obtained the necessary permits before erecting billboards. If found lacking, the NRSA has vowed to remove the structures immediately.
Amaliba reinforced this stance, stating, “Fortunately, the billboards have contact numbers on them. We will reach out to verify whether they have the required permits. If they do, we will engage the municipal assembly to understand why such an approval was granted despite the safety risks. If they do not have the necessary permits, the billboards must be removed immediately,” as cited by Modern Ghana.
Public support and the road ahead
The initiative has garnered strong public support, with many praising Amaliba’s efforts to make Ghana’s roads safer. Citizens are encouraged to report obstructive billboards, reinforcing the idea that road safety is a shared responsibility.
Amaliba echoed this sentiment, stating, “Road safety is a shared responsibility. Citizens must report obstructions or hazards that pose risks to road users,” according to Modern Ghana.
As Ghana moves forward, this crackdown could set a precedent for urban development, ensuring that advertising does not compromise public safety. With Amaliba at the helm, the country is taking a decisive step toward safer roads, proving that bold leadership can drive meaningful change.
