The Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) has revealed that more than 60% of billboards across the country have been erected without proper authorization, raising concerns about safety and regulation.
According to the AAG, a significant number of these billboards appear in hazardous locations such as pedestrian walkways, highway medians, and intersections, posing risks to public safety.
Speaking to Citi News, AAG President, Andrews Ackah, expressed alarm over the increasing disregard for legal procedures in billboard installations.
He emphasized that many of these structures lack proper documentation, making it difficult to trace their ownership and ensure compliance with regulations.
“Our investigation shows that about 50-60% of billboards are unaccounted for in terms of ownership. This raises serious concerns about public safety and regulatory enforcement,” Ackah stated.
He warned that the failure to regulate these unauthorized billboards could lead to potential disasters.
Ackah also pointed to the growing disorder in Accra, where billboards are haphazardly placed, leading to cluttered streetscapes and intense competition among advertisers.
He linked the problem to political cycles, noting that billboard installations tend to spike ahead of elections.
“Whenever elections approach, we see billboards springing up everywhere, often mounted with political backing. Many of them are placed in road medians and other dangerous locations, worsening the situation,” he lamented.
The AAG is calling on authorities to take urgent action to enforce billboard regulations and prevent the continued proliferation of unauthorized structures in public spaces.
GBC
