The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) of Ghana has strongly condemned the unauthorized and hazardous placement of billboards on road medians across the country. This practice, increasingly prevalent, poses a significant threat to pedestrian and driver safety by obstructing visibility, particularly at curves and intersections. The NRSA’s condemnation follows a viral TikTok video by a concerned citizen, Ms. Diana Abrafi, highlighting the dangers of billboards erected on a curved median in East Legon, Accra. The billboards, located near an underbridge, severely restrict the view of oncoming traffic for pedestrians attempting to cross the road. The NRSA promptly investigated the site after Ms. Abrafi’s video brought the issue to their attention, confirming the validity of her concerns.
The NRSA’s Acting Director-General, Mr. Abraham Amaliba, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the height and arrangement of the billboards create a dangerous blind spot for pedestrians, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. He pointed out that while municipal assemblies are responsible for issuing permits for billboard installations, the NRSA will investigate whether the advertisers in this case obtained the necessary permits before erecting the billboards. If the permits were issued, the NRSA will engage with the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly to understand the rationale behind granting approval despite the clear safety hazards. If the billboards were erected without permits, the NRSA will ensure their immediate removal.
The NRSA’s proactive approach to road safety underscores its commitment to preventing accidents before they occur. Mr. Amaliba commended Ms. Abrafi for her civic responsibility and urged all citizens to emulate her by reporting similar road hazards to the appropriate authorities. He emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility and that public vigilance is crucial in identifying and mitigating risks. Ms. Abrafi’s video serves as a powerful example of how citizen engagement can contribute to safer roads for everyone. The NRSA plans to address unauthorized structures on medians nationwide as part of a broader initiative to enhance road safety.
Ms. Abrafi, who owns a shop near the affected area, explained her motivation for creating the video. She recounted a personal experience of struggling to cross the road safely with a customer due to the obstructed view caused by the billboards. A few days later, her brother’s dog was struck by a car while crossing the same stretch of road, further highlighting the danger posed by the billboards. She noticed the billboards had been erected overnight, a common practice, and attempted to contact the advertisers. However, her concerns were dismissed when it became clear she was not a potential client. This experience underscores the importance of citizen action and the need for authorities to be responsive to public safety concerns.
The incident highlights a broader issue of unauthorized and poorly placed billboards across Ghana. Many billboards are erected on medians, often at night, without proper permits or consideration for safety regulations. Their placement, particularly on curves and at heights obstructing pedestrian and driver visibility, poses a serious risk to road users. This practice not only endangers lives but also reflects a lack of enforcement and oversight by the relevant authorities. The NRSA’s intervention in this case and its commitment to addressing the issue nationwide signals a necessary step towards improving road safety and holding advertisers accountable for responsible placement of their billboards.
The NRSA’s actions and Ms. Abrafi’s proactive engagement bring to light the critical importance of citizen participation in road safety. Her video, shared on social media, quickly garnered attention and prompted a swift response from the authorities. This incident demonstrates the power of social media and citizen journalism in holding authorities accountable and driving positive change. It also underscores the need for effective communication channels between citizens and authorities to address safety concerns promptly and efficiently. The NRSA’s commitment to investigating the matter and taking appropriate action sets a precedent for future cases and reinforces the importance of prioritizing public safety.
