The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has taken a significant step towards enhancing pedestrian safety in Accra by removing over 120 illegal billboards along major roads. This operation, led by NRSA Director-General Abraham Amaliba, targeted areas including the Supreme Court to Ridge stretch. The goal is to improve visibility and facilitate safer movement for pedestrians and road users. The exercise is part of broader efforts to promote a safer urban environment.
The enforcement exercise covered several key locations, including the stretch from the Supreme Court through the Ridge Roundabout and the Trades Union Congress (TUC), ending at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel. According to the NRSA, the removal of these unauthorized advertising structures aims to enhance pedestrian safety and improve visibility along the affected routes. This move is expected to reduce potential risks associated with illegal billboards.
The NRSA's operation was widely publicized on social media, with the Authority sharing updates on its Facebook page. The post highlighted the collaborative effort between the NRSA, its Technical Advisor, and members of the Greater Accra Regional Team. This coordinated approach underscores the commitment to addressing road safety concerns in Accra.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the growing number of illegal billboards and advertising structures across Accra. Andrew Ackah, President of the Advertising Association of Ghana, has expressed worry over the situation. He disclosed that a significant percentage of advertising structures in Accra do not comply with established regulations.
According to Andrew Ackah, between 40% and 60% of the approximately 10,000 advertising structures identified across Accra do not meet regulatory standards. An assessment by the association found that several outdoor advertising structures violate traffic and building regulations, while others raise concerns about structural integrity and material quality.
The concerns raised by the Advertising Association of Ghana highlight the need for effective regulation of outdoor advertising in Accra. The presence of unauthorized billboards poses significant risks to road safety, pedestrians, and motorists. The NRSA's removal of illegal billboards is a step towards addressing these concerns.
The regulation of outdoor advertising in Accra remains a critical issue. The NRSA's efforts to remove illegal billboards are expected to continue, with the goal of creating a safer environment for all road users. The collaboration between regulatory bodies and stakeholders, including the Advertising Association of Ghana, will be crucial in addressing the challenges associated with outdoor advertising.
Key points
- The NRSA has removed over 120 illegal billboards along major Accra roads to improve pedestrian safety and visibility.
- The Advertising Association of Ghana has expressed concern over the growing number of illegal billboards, citing regulatory non-compliance.
- The regulation of outdoor advertising in Accra remains a critical issue, with a focus on road safety and stakeholder collaboration.
