Unauthorized billboards mounted at the Flowerpot Interchange in Accra have come under scrutiny after one was found to have been installed without approval, raising fresh concerns about road safety and regulatory breaches.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways, in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 20, confirmed that the billboard violated national advertising and traffic regulations.
It cited non-compliance with Section 5 of the Ghana Standards Authority’s Advertisement Specification for Outdoor Signs (GS 847:2019), Sections 11 and 15 of the Advertisements Act (Act 540), and Section 188 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180).
The Ministry noted that the Students Loan Trust Fund had already disassociated itself from the billboard, cautioning against the misuse of its logo. It described the proliferation of unauthorized billboards across the country as “illegal” and a breach of the constitution.
In response, the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly, led by Municipal Chief Executive Israel Adjetey Otchwenmah, moved swiftly to remove the billboard at the interchange.
The action was taken even before the Ministry formally directed the Assembly and the Department of Urban Roads to clear all such unauthorized structures at the location.
The Ministry has since urged all municipal and district assemblies to collaborate with regional road agencies before issuing permits for outdoor advertisements.
It also called on the Advertising Association of Ghana to strictly enforce its code of conduct on outdoor structures, stressing its commitment to protecting public infrastructure and ensuring road safety.
