Illegal Billboard Erection Poses Public Safety Risks
The Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) has revealed that over 60% of billboards in the country have been unlawfully erected, with many lacking identifiable ownership.
Concerns Over Improper Billboard Placement
The rising number of billboards and signposts mounted in inappropriate locations, such as pedestrian walkways, highway medians, and intersections, has raised public safety concerns.
Speaking to Citi News, AAG President Andrews Ackah emphasized that most of these structures do not follow legal procedures, making regulation difficult.
“Our investigation shows that most billboards are mounted illicitly, and tracking their ownership is nearly impossible. From our records, about 50-60% of billboards have no known owners,” he disclosed.
Billboard Chaos Worsened by Political Favoritism
Ackah highlighted unregulated billboard placement, particularly in Accra, where advertisers haphazardly mount structures, leading to clutter and intense competition.
He also pointed out that political interference exacerbates the issue, especially during election years.
“Whenever elections are approaching, billboards appear everywhere, and those putting them up leverage political connections to bypass regulations,” he stated.
Call for Stronger Regulations
The AAG is urging authorities to enforce strict billboard regulations to prevent accidents and maintain order in the advertising industry.
With unregulated billboards creating safety risks, stakeholders believe that implementing clear policies will help streamline outdoor advertising in Ghana.
Source: ModernGhana