A recent study has uncovered a shocking road safety crisis in Accra, with only 13% of the city’s traffic lights functioning properly.
Conducted by the National Safety Campaign (NASACA), the research found that a staggering 86% of traffic lights across major cities in Ghana are either partially working or completely non-functional, putting pedestrians and motorists at high risk.
The study, which was conducted between December 2023, and February 2025, revealed 173 traffic light locations across Accra, Kasoa, Winneba, Agona Swedru, and Koforidua. The findings revealed:
- 23 traffic lights (13.3%) were fully operational
- 71 (41%) were only partially functional
- 79 (45.7%) were completely non-functional
The study also highlighted additional hazards, such as malfunctioning lights that are difficult to see due to obstructions, those partially covered by structures, and intersections overwhelmed by hawkers, further limiting visibility.
NASACA’s report warns that malfunctioning and obscured traffic lights not only endanger drivers but also pose a significant threat to pedestrians.
The research identified critical areas such as Burma Camp, Police Academy (Tesano), Odorgonno Senior High School, 37 Military Hospital, and Accra Technical University, where faulty traffic lights put lives at risk daily.
The issue also places an extra burden on traffic wardens, who must manually direct vehicles at busy intersections where signals fail to function. According to NASACA, the situation reflects a poor maintenance culture and weak regulatory enforcement.
NASACA is calling on authorities to urgently address the crisis and restore traffic signals to full functionality. “A damaged traffic light is dangerous, but a partially damaged one is deadly,” said Daniel Asuku, President of NASACA, who led the research.
The organization is urging government agencies, city authorities, and road safety bodies to take immediate action to repair and maintain traffic lights across the city to prevent further accidents and improve road safety.
