If you’ve ever driven through Accra or Kumasi and wondered why someone suddenly stopped in the middle of the road or ignored a sign completely, you’re not alone. Many Ghanaian drivers still misread or overlook key road signs, and the consequences can be deadly. According to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), understanding road signs is not just about passing a test, it’s about saving lives.
A 2020 study titled Evaluation of Road Traffic Signs, Markings and Traffic Rules Compliance among Drivers in Ghana surveyed 1,205 drivers and found something alarming: while many drivers could recognize a sign, they didn’t actually understand what it meant especially in rural areas. The study concluded that familiarity with a sign doesn’t always equal comprehension, and that misunderstanding signs directly affects road safety.
Let’s break down the three main categories of road signs in Ghana, regulatory, informative, and warning, and highlight the ones drivers often get wrong.
Regulatory signs: The rules of the road
These signs are legally binding. They tell you what you must or must not do. Yet, many drivers still misinterpret them.
Take the “No Waiting” sign. Some drivers confuse it with “No Parking,” but they’re not the same. “No Waiting” means you can stop briefly to pick up or drop off someone, but you can’t park and leave your car. Misunderstanding this clogs up busy roads and causes unnecessary traffic.
Another common one is the “No U-Turn” sign. Despite its clear red slash over a curved arrow, some drivers still make U-turns at junctions, risking collisions. And then there’s the “Stop” sign arguably the most ignored. It means come to a complete stop, not just slow down.
Informative Signs: Your road map in symbols
These signs guide you. They tell you what’s ahead—like a hospital, a roundabout, or a fuel station. But many drivers either miss them or don’t know what they mean.
One example is the “Dual Carriageway Ends” sign. It warns that the road ahead will narrow into a single lane in each direction. Drivers who ignore this often fail to merge properly, leading to dangerous overtaking.
Another is the “Slippery Road” sign. It’s meant to alert drivers to reduce speed, especially during rain. But many ignore it, only to skid or hydroplane moments later.
Warning Signs: Danger ahead
These signs are usually triangular with red borders. They warn of hazards like sharp bends, pedestrian crossings, or steep hills.
One of the most misunderstood is the “Children Crossing” sign. It means slow down and be alert—especially near schools. But in many neighborhoods, drivers speed past without a second thought.
Another is the “Uneven Road” sign. It’s not just about comfort it’s a heads-up to avoid damaging your suspension or losing control.
Why it matters
Misreading road signs isn’t just a minor mistake it can cost lives. Ghana’s roads are already challenging, with potholes, mixed traffic, and unpredictable pedestrians. Understanding and obeying road signs is one of the simplest ways to make our roads safer.
So the next time you see a sign you’re unsure about, don’t guess. Learn it. Because on Ghana’s roads, knowledge isn’t just power, it’s protection.
