Unauthorised billboards a threat to road safety – MP tells AMA

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has been urged to swiftly address unauthorised billboards and signboards lining the capital's major roads, with Parliament warning that they pose a threat to motorists' safety. Queenstar Pokuah Sawyerr, Chairperson of Parliament's Committee on Local Government and Decentralisation, highlighted that many of these structures obstruct drivers' view, making them hazardous on the roads.

This concern was raised when AMA officials appeared before the committee, responding to financial irregularities mentioned in the Auditor-General's 2025 reports.

Mrs Sawyerr, an MP for Agona East, emphasized that motorists have expressed difficulties in seeing the vehicle ahead or approaching them due to the obstruction caused by these unauthorized billboards and signboards. She urged the assembly to prioritize clearing these structures from the road medians, noting that clear visibility is crucial for safe driving.

While recognizing that petty traders selling on tables along the medians also pose an issue, Mrs Sawyerr stressed that containers and other permanent unauthorised structures are the primary concern, as the lack of these impediments would prevent such activities.

Responding to the concerns, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, the Chief Executive of the AMA, stated that the assembly has formed a team to tackle the problem and has already initiated the removal of illegal billboards and signboards from the medians. He noted that owners of these unauthorized structures do not require prior notice since they lack permission. Allotey also mentioned that despite issuing advance notices in the past, owners have found ways to hinder the assembly's actions.

Regarding the issue of traders selling on medians, Allotey emphasized a more compassionate approach than immediate removal. Instead, the assembly is relocating these traders to designated selling areas marked with red lines. This strategy is part of the assembly's broader plan to restore greenery along the city's major roads.