Hon. Rita Naa Odeley Sowah, Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has warned that assemblies that fail to enforce billboard regulations will be surcharged, as government intensifies a nationwide crackdown on illegal billboards and unauthorised outdoor advertising structures.
The directive targets Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies MMDAs, placing responsibility squarely on local authorities to enforce compliance or face financial sanctions.
This decisive move forms part of a broader effort to restore order, improve urban aesthetics, and enhance public safety across major cities, particularly in Accra, where the proliferation of unregulated billboards has significantly altered the city’s skyline.
During an inspection tour of principal streets in Accra, Hon. Rita Naa Odeley Sowah underscored government’s commitment to enforcing existing laws governing outdoor advertising. She stressed that assemblies have a clear statutory responsibility to regulate and monitor signage within their jurisdictions.
Hon. Sowah cautioned that any assembly found to be negligent in carrying out this mandate will be surcharged, signalling a new era of accountability in local governance.
The Ministry noted that the uncontrolled spread of illegal billboards has contributed to visual clutter, obstructed road signage, and posed serious safety risks to motorists and pedestrians.
The ongoing exercise is being coordinated through a multi sectoral technical committee established to sanitise the outdoor advertising space and ensure strict adherence to planning regulations and safety standards.
Government has also issued firm directives for the removal of unauthorised structures within stipulated timelines, reinforcing its zero tolerance stance on non compliance.
Meanwhile, stakeholders within the advertising industry, including the Advertising Association of Ghana AAG, have expressed support for efforts to bring sanity to the sector, while calling for structured engagement and clarity in implementation.
Industry assessments have revealed widespread non compliance, with excessive and poorly positioned billboards obstructing visibility, violating spacing requirements, and undermining urban planning standards.
Government maintains that the exercise is not only about enforcement but also about creating safer, more organised, and aesthetically pleasing urban environments that reflect Ghana’s development aspirations.
The Ministry is therefore urging all assemblies to act swiftly, enforce regulations diligently, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure full compliance.
The ongoing crackdown represents a critical step in restoring discipline in the outdoor advertising space and safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s urban landscape.
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