Remove Unauthorized Billboards by June 2 or Face Legal Action – NRSA Warns Assemblies
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has issued a firm ultimatum to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across Ghana: remove all unauthorized billboards by June 2, 2025, or prepare to face legal consequences.
According to a statement released by the Authority, this directive comes in response to the growing number of billboards and signage that clutter roadsides, obscure visibility, and pose safety risks to drivers and pedestrians alike.
Assemblies Must Enforce the Law
The NRSA emphasizes that the responsibility for monitoring and removing such structures lies squarely with the local assemblies. Their failure to act, the Authority warns, violates provisions of the Road Safety Act and the Ghana Standards Authority Act, which govern road usage and public safety.
“We have issued several notices and given reasonable time for action. Assemblies that fail to comply by June 2 will be taken to court,” said the NRSA’s Director of Regulations, Mr. Kwame Koduah Atuahene.
Road Safety at Risk
The Authority insists that the proliferation of unauthorized outdoor advertising—particularly near intersections and highways—contributes to visual distraction and increases the risk of accidents.
In April 2025, NRSA conducted an audit that revealed over 60% of billboards in urban centres like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi were erected without approval or did not meet safety regulations. Some were found to obstruct traffic lights and directional signs—violations that could have fatal consequences.
Industry Stakeholders React
Advertising associations and stakeholders have been urged to collaborate with authorities and ensure all billboards meet the required standards. The Outdoor Advertising Association of Ghana (OAAG) has responded positively to the directive, stating it will work with members to regularize operations and remove non-compliant installations.
Enforcement Begins
The NRSA has set up regional task forces to support enforcement and expects full cooperation from assembly officials. Legal proceedings will commence against non-compliant MMDAs after the deadline lapses.
This move is part of a broader national campaign to sanitize Ghana’s roads and improve urban aesthetics, with emphasis on safety, visibility, and legality.
Read Also: NRSA Orders Removal of Billboards from Flyovers in Greater Accra<br>
