All unauthorised billboards in Accra to be removed on November 14

All unauthorized billboards in Ghana's capital, Accra, must be removed by November 13 or face removal following a government crackdown on illegal outdoor advertising. This announcement comes ahead of a joint inspection operation on November 14, involving officials from the Ministry of Local Government, the Advertising Association of Ghana, and other regulatory bodies.

The inspection aims to verify ownership, identify unlicensed structures, and check for safety and technical compliance. Any billboard left unidentified by the deadline will be considered unclaimed or potentially unauthorized, potentially leading to its removal. The inspection teams will include representatives from Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, the Ghana Standards Authority, and other stakeholders.

Media representatives will also be present. The operation follows concerns over the extensive presence of illegal billboards in Accra, with the Advertising Association of Ghana reporting over 10,000 billboards, with 40-60% estimated to be illegal or non-compliant. The Advertising Association's President, Andrew Ackah, disclosed that the structures were assessed for compliance with traffic and building regulations, as well as structural integrity.

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly's permit requirements include professional-endorsed structural drawings, insurance evidence, and property owner consent. The November 14 inspection is the beginning of a continuous program, with similar inspections planned for other parts of Ghana. The government is also considering restrictions on billboard installations near roundabouts and road junctions to improve traffic visibility and road safety.