Accra dysfunctional streetlights raise safety concerns

Accra Streetlights: A Persistent Problem

Accra's streetlights are still a major issue. In February, the lights from Okponglo to PRESEC Legon were restored. Many hoped this would solve the problem permanently.

However, dysfunctional streetlights remain a concern in Accra. Efforts to fix them have not led to lasting solutions.

On April 15, 2025, I walked from Shiashie to Madina (Zongo Junction). During my walk from 7:45 PM to 9 PM, I counted many non-functioning streetlights. This problem has persisted for three weeks along the Okponglo to PRESEC Legon stretch.

From Shiashie bus stop to Okponglo traffic light, nearly all streetlights were out. This dark area poses risks for drivers and students. The Okponglo to PRESEC Legon stretch frequently experiences faulty lighting.

I counted about 200 streetlights in these dark spots. Some poles have double lights, but none are working. On some poles with two lights, not even one is functional.

Additionally, the Atomic overpass from Madina to Accra has 25 faulty lights. None of these lights are currently operational.

The Atomic Junction - Haatso stretch also has many non-working streetlights. Another dark area is the Fire Stone – Madina (Zongo Junction) stretch. All 39 installed streetlights there are dysfunctional.

These outages have lasted for three weeks and create hazards. Each of these poles has two lights, totaling 78 non-functional lights. Two of these lights are broken and hanging precariously on a pole near Masalakyi.

Moreover, all streetlights from Madina (Zongo Junction) to Adenta barrier are out of service.

On March 25, 2025, Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo promised repairs across the region within her first 50 days in office. She stated that maintenance work was ongoing on several streets including N1 and N4 by the Ghana Highways Authority.

However, this claim seems unlikely based on my observations. If a contractor is truly on site, repairs should be visible by now. The broken lights at Madina should have been replaced already.

I urge Minister Ocloo to prioritize fixing these major highways' streetlights quickly!

For three weeks, I've seen how darkness reduces visibility on roads. It obscures important visual cues like road markings and signs.

Faulty streetlights also impair drivers' ability to judge speed and distance safely. This increases accident risks significantly.

Long exposure to low lighting can lead to driver fatigue and stress as well as poor judgment calls that result in accidents. Dark areas near bus stops may also see increased criminal activities like theft or assault soon.

I won't elaborate further on the dangers posed by non-functional streetlights; we all know them well enough already.

I call upon Minister Linda Akweley Ocloo and other stakeholders to act swiftly! Replace all dysfunctional streetlights and find lasting solutions for frequent outages.

The writer is Bright T. Terkpernor, a journalist with Daily Dispatch and a columnist.