Let there be functional street lights on our roads

In the life of every city and town, street lighting is more than just a convenience; it’s a critical component of safety and public well-being. Functional streetlights on our roads are essential not only for the prevention of accidents but also as a deterrent to theft and other crimes

As many urban and suburban areas continue to experience rapid growth, the demand for reliable, well-maintained street lighting has never been more urgent. Yet, too often, our streets remain shrouded in darkness due to faulty or neglected streetlights, placing lives and property at considerable risk.

The Mirror has observed areas such as the Tema Motorway, Community 25 towards Kpong Junction, Mahama Road behind Burma Camp, Tema Beach Road, Graphic Road, LEKMA  and Achimota Forest stretch which  all have dysfunctional street lights. One of the primary benefits of operational streetlights is their role in preventing accidents. Poor visibility on roads, especially at night, significantly increases the likelihood of accidents. 

According to road safety experts, adequate lighting on highways, intersections, and urban streets can reduce accidents by as much as 30 per cent.
With proper lighting, drivers can see obstacles, pedestrian crossings, and other vehicles clearly, allowing them to make safer decisions and react faster to potential hazards.

Moreover, street lighting is critical for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists who are often the most vulnerable in poorly lit areas. By illuminating roadways, we offer all road users, including those on foot, the opportunity to travel safely.

The benefits of street lighting extend beyond accident prevention to the deterrence of crime. Studies have shown that crimes such as theft, robbery, and vandalism are less likely to occur in well-lit areas.

Criminals are deterred by the possibility of being easily identified or spotted in well-illuminated spaces, which reduces the appeal of committing crimes in such places. 

Neighbourhoods and communities with adequate lighting are seen as less vulnerable, providing residents and visitors with a heightened sense of security. This is especially important in areas where people frequently travel on foot or use public transport late into the night.

The absence of functional streetlights is also a significant financial burden for the public and the government. Accidents resulting from poor visibility lead to increased healthcare costs, and the theft and vandalism facilitated by darkness impose heavy expenses on individuals, insurance companies, and local governments. In areas where crime levels are high due to poor lighting, police departments must allocate more resources to patrolling, a cost that could otherwise be reduced if preventive measures like effective lighting were in place.

The Mirror believes that ensuring that streetlights work isn’t just about fixing bulbs or maintaining poles; it’s about making a commitment to the safety and quality of life of the public.

The Mirror urges local authorities, urban planners, and community leaders to prioritise the repair, maintenance, and modernisation of street lighting infrastructure.

The safety of our streets at night must be as assured as it is in daylight hours. Functional street lighting is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s time we stop taking darkness for granted and instead embrace the simple yet powerful solution of making our streets safer by keeping the lights on.