Need for a streetlights agency to ensure safety, power jobs, and the 24-hour economy

On January 12, 2025, Ghana's need for a dedicated Street Lighting Authority to ensure public safety and economic productivity in the 24-hour economy became clear. Across the nation, aging and unreliable streetlights have turned roads into hazardous night-time zones, endangering pedestrians and commuters alike. This crisis is not merely a local annoyance, but a national emergency with far-reaching consequences.

The proposed solution is to establish a dedicated Street Lighting Authority with a four-year mandate to modernize Ghana's street lighting infrastructure. This transformation would involve modernizing the lighting systems with energy-efficient LED lights, solar-powered solutions, and rapid fault-response systems. The Authority would also implement a comprehensive maintenance and monitoring system to ensure continuous service and accountability.

The Authority's role would not end at installation; it would oversee the entire lifecycle of street lighting, from design and procurement to deployment, maintenance, and monitoring. This holistic approach would ensure that spending is targeted, evidence-based, and geared toward measurable outcomes.

One of the key advantages of this initiative is its potential to create jobs immediately and sustainably. A functional Street Lighting Authority would require a diverse workforce, including electricians, installers, engineers, project managers, procurement specialists, and monitoring personnel. This initiative would not only modernize Ghana's infrastructure but also contribute to nation-building through employment and skills development.

The establishment of this Authority is crucial for building a 24-hour economy. Reliable street lighting would foster safer night markets, encourage businesses to operate beyond daylight hours, and instill confidence in citizens' movements. In essence, street lighting is not just infrastructure; it is an economic policy in practice.