NRSA threatens court action against Accra assemblies over illegal billboards – Nsemkeka
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has issued a stern ultimatum to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) within the Greater Accra Region to remove unauthorised billboards from road medians by Monday, 2 June 2025—or face legal action.
The Authority’s warning follows a failed engagement with the assemblies, many of whom failed to attend a crucial meeting aimed at outlining a compliance roadmap for billboard regulation.
The NRSA had hoped the session would allow for dialogue and possibly an extension to a previously issued 21-day deadline, but the poor attendance left officials dismayed. Addressing the media, NRSA Director-General, Mr Abraham Amaliba, described the assemblies’ conduct as disappointing and uncooperative.
“We invited all of them through the Local Government Ministry. They misunderstood and assumed the invitation was extended to all assemblies nationwide, which is why some came from outside Accra,” Mr Amaliba explained.
“Those within Accra, who were the actual target of the meeting, simply failed to show up. We are treating their absence as a clear case of deliberate noncompliance.”
Mr Amaliba stressed that the NRSA was left with no option but to escalate the matter legally, stating that the failure of the Accra assemblies to engage with the Authority’s directive signalled a lack of interest in addressing the issue.
“This means they are not interested in complying. So, what we are going to do is meet them in court,” he warned.
The NRSA maintains that the presence of unauthorised billboards, particularly on road medians, poses a significant risk to public safety. The Authority insists the removal of these structures is essential to ensure safe and obstruction-free roadways for motorists and pedestrians alike.
The directive, which was originally accompanied by a 21-day removal notice, now comes with the added threat of litigation for any assembly that fails to comply by the set deadline.
The NRSA’s latest action signals a toughening stance on enforcement, as authorities seek to bring order to Ghana’s often chaotic urban signage landscape.