Accra Roads Choked with Over 6,000 Unregulated Billboards, Posing Safety Risks

Driving through Accra at night has become a hazardous experience due to the proliferation of over 6,000 unregulated digital billboards. These billboards, mostly lacking legal permits, are choking the city's major roads and turning them into high-risk disaster zones. The flashing lights from these billboards can be disorienting for drivers, and their sheer weight poses a catastrophic structural failure risk. According to the Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG), nearly 60% of the city's 10,000 billboards lack legal permits.

The situation is particularly dire on the 13-kilometre highway from Accra Mall through Spintex Road to Sakumono Junction. Despite national safety guidelines dictating a 500-metre spacing gap between outdoor advertisements, a recent spatial audit found over 300 towering billboards, three times the recommended number. Many of these billboards are high-intensity digital screens operating without technical oversight. This extreme congestion creates immediate hazards, including flash blindness, drowned signals, distraction zones, and pedestrian displacement.

The hazards posed by these billboards are multifaceted. Flash blindness occurs when sudden transitions to high-contrast white advertisements cause temporary night blindness for oncoming motorists. Oversized digital frameworks cast immense glare directly behind intersections, sometimes completely obscuring traffic lights or road signs. Fast-moving video animations at critical crossroads pull a driver's eyes away from the road during split-second decisions. Furthermore, massive concrete foundations are cast directly into pavements, forcing pedestrians, especially school children, to walk on active high-speed lanes.

The root of this problem lies in the technical deficit within Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). According to the President of the Advertisers' Association, Mr. Andrew Ackah, assemblies lack the technical capacity to govern the urban landscape safely. During a recent pilot audit in the Adentan Municipality, investigators discovered over 1,500 unmapped billboards, and local administrators were unaware of their existence. Most assemblies do not employ structural engineers to inspect whether these top-heavy digital boards can withstand severe seasonal storms and wind speeds.

The consequences of inaction are dire. Uncoordinated, late-night demolition exercises by municipal task forces are no longer enough to protect public safety. The AAG is calling on the central government to intervene and regulate the industry effectively. The association is advocating for a comprehensive framework that ensures billboards are safely installed, maintained, and operated. This includes implementing strict guidelines for billboard placement, regular inspections, and enforcement of regulations.

The issue has sparked concerns among stakeholders, with many calling for urgent action to address the situation. The government's response will be crucial in determining the future of Accra's urban landscape. Effective regulation and enforcement are necessary to prevent further degradation of the city's infrastructure and protect the lives of motorists and pedestrians. The AAG's efforts to raise awareness about the issue and push for change are seen as a step in the right direction.

As the city continues to grapple with the challenges posed by unregulated billboards, residents and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting a comprehensive solution. The government's commitment to addressing the issue will be critical in restoring order to Accra's roads and ensuring public safety. With over 6,000 unregulated billboards still in operation, the need for urgent action has never been more pressing.

Key points

• The Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) has revealed that nearly 60% of the city's 10,000 billboards lack legal permits.