Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Accra have intensified efforts to remove illegally mounted billboards and advertising signs as part of a joint operation to sanitise the capital’s advertising landscape.
The exercise, involving the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA), La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA), the Ministry and the Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG), seeks to enforce advertising regulations and ensure that all outdoor advertising structures have the necessary permits.
Speaking during the exercise, the Deputy Minister for Loc al Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (MP), said the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) had her full support to lead the operation within their respective jurisdictions.
She stressed that the exercise was a collective responsibility and not solely an initiative of the Ministry, urging the assemblies to take decisive action against unauthorised advertising structures.
According to her, no individual or company is permitted to erect a billboard without first obtaining authorisation from the relevant Metropolitan, Municipal or District Assembly.
She further clarified that the assemblies are the only authorities mandated to issue permits for such structures.
Rita Naa Odoley Sowah disclosed that several billboards had already been removed as part of the ongoing exercise, adding that the operation covers all categories of outdoor advertising structures, regardless of their size.
She warned that any billboard or advertising sign found without the appropriate permit would be dismantled.
Meanwhile, the Advertising Association of Ghana has expressed support for the exercise, describing it as a necessary step towards ensuring professionalism and compliance within the advertising industry.
Representatives of the Association acknowledged the difficulties involved in removing some of the structures, particularly those firmly fixed in place, but expressed confidence that collaboration with the Ghana Highway Authority, Urban Roads and the Ministry would ensure the success of the operation.
The Deputy Minister has also urged advertisers to voluntarily dismantle their unauthorised billboards and advertising signs to avoid additional costs.
She warned that assemblies would remove structures that remain in place and surcharge their owners for the cost of dismantling them.
The ongoing exercise forms part of the government’s broader efforts to sanitise the country’s urban environment in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda.
The assemblies are expected to continue enforcement within their respective jurisdictions, with a clear message to advertisers: No permit, no billboard.
