The Outdoor Advertisers Association has appealed to the government to immediately halt the ongoing removal of median advertising billboards, citing serious economic and operational impacts on its members.
The Association raised concerns about the demolition exercise being carried out by the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and the Ministry of Local Government, noting that a lack of clarity in its implementation is already causing uncertainty and disrupting business operations.
In a petition dated May 5, the group called for an immediate halt to all demolition activities to allow for constructive dialogue between industry stakeholders and state institutions toward a more balanced and sustainable solution.
It emphasized the need for a formal suspension of the exercise to enable meaningful engagement with the relevant authorities in reaching a fair resolution.
According to the Association, many of its members operate legally under permits issued by various Municipal Assemblies and have consistently complied with tax and regulatory requirements.
The group argued that the demolition could undermine investor confidence and expose companies to legal and contractual risks with corporate clients.
It further warned that the move could have significant economic consequences, stressing that the outdoor advertising industry plays a vital role in Ghana’s economy by supporting businesses—especially small and medium-sized enterprises—with affordable and continuous visibility.
The Association added that the exercise creates an unpredictable business environment, placing operators—many of whom are bound by contractual obligations—at risk of legal liabilities and reputational damage.
It also highlighted that millions of cedis have been invested in billboard infrastructure, sustaining a value chain that includes welders, printers, graphic designers, installers, and maintenance workers.
The group cautioned that a sudden and uncoordinated removal of signage could lead to widespread job losses and negatively affect thousands of households that depend on the industry for their livelihoods.
While acknowledging the government’s commitment to road safety, the Association stressed that a total ban is not the solution, advocating instead for smarter regulation.
It argued that road accidents are more often caused by driver indiscipline, speeding, and mechanical faults rather than properly regulated signage.
To address the issue, the Association proposed several measures, including an immediate suspension of demolition activities, urgent stakeholder engagement, the development of a technical standardization framework, harmonization of permits with national safety requirements, and a phased relocation plan for signage in high-risk areas.
