Urgent need for street light accountability

The disappearance of street lights on the 19km Accra-Tema Motorway is a shocking revelation that exposes the depth of inefficiency in Ghana's public infrastructure management. 

Just three years after their installation, nearly all street light poles have vanished, leaving motorists to navigate the highway in pitch darkness. This egregious failure of governance compromises the safety of road users and undermines public trust.

The Ghana Highway Authority, Ministry of Roads and Highways, and Ministry of Energy are engaged in a blame-shifting exercise, each denying responsibility for the missing lights.

However, the Street Lighting in Ghana – Policy Framework (2011) clearly states that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies are responsible for street light maintenance and operation. The expectation of the public is that this policy framework should guide the actions of stakeholders, but this is being ignored.

Theft and vandalism are significant challenges, as thieves steal from contractors. This brazen lawlessness underscores the need for enhanced security measures to protect public assets. Driving on the Accra-Tema Motorway at night has become a perilous journey, with the absence of street lights increasing the risk of accidents and compromising pedestrian safety.

We at the Daily Graphic demand that authorities take immediate action to investigate the disappearance of the street lights, clarify roles and responsibilities among government agencies, enhance security measures and replace the missing street lights to ensure citizen safety.

We are appalled by the blatant disregard for public safety and the lack of accountability displayed by the authorities responsible for the operation and maintenance of street lights.

As a media outlet, we stand with the people in demanding immediate action to address this crisis, and will continue to shed light on this matter and push for answers and solutions.

We believe that collective outrage and pressure can drive change and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The public deserves transparency and accountability. It is time for authorities to prioritise citizen safety and infrastructure maintenance. The disappearance of street lights on the Accra-Tema Motorway is a national embarrassment that must be addressed urgently.

We are of the view that, to prevent future disappearances, the government must establish a robust inventory management system to track public infrastructure, including street lights.

The Ministry of Roads and Highways, Ghana Highway Authority and the Ministry of Energy must clarify roles and responsibilities to avoid buck-passing. A clear chain of command will ensure accountability and efficient maintenance.

The nation must invest in advanced security measures, such as CCTV cameras and patrols, to protect public infrastructure from theft and vandalism.

To promote transparency, government agencies must regularly publish reports on infrastructure projects, including funding, implementation and maintenance.

We would like the government, in the coming days, to engage local communities in reporting damage or theft of street lights to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among citizens.

Ultimately, the nation must hold public officials accountable for infrastructure management. This requires strengthening institutions and enforcing laws to ensure that taxpayer,s funds are utilised efficiently.

The disappearance of street lights on the Accra-Tema Motorway is symptomatic of a broader issue - the systemic failure of infrastructure management in Ghana. It highlights the need for a comprehensive overhaul of our institutions and processes.

We challenge leaders to treat this crisis as an opportunity for reform. By addressing the root causes of this issue, they can demonstrate their commitment to the nation's safety, prosperity and progress.