Accra, March 25 – The Greater Accra Region is witnessing a significant transformation under the “Lighting Accra” initiative, with over 126 streets and highways illuminated within the first 50 days of the Regional Minister’s assumption of office.
Addressing members of the press and stakeholders at a media briefing on Monday, the Hon. Regional Minister reaffirmed his commitment to tackling the issue of darkness that had gripped the city, pledging to ensure that 70% of non-functional streetlights across major roads and streets would be fixed within his first 50 days in office.
“This initiative is in line with H.E. the President’s Reset Agenda aimed at improving visibility and enhancing security across the region,” the Minister stated.
To achieve this ambitious target, the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) engaged all 29 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), tasking them to identify priority areas and submit comprehensive workplans. A dedicated monitoring team was also set up at the RCC to ensure proper oversight and accountability.
As of March 25, which marks exactly 50 days in office for the Minister, substantial progress has been recorded. A total of 126 roads, comprising highways, town roads, and community streets, have been lit across all MMDAs.
However, the Minister noted that lighting could not be installed along the Tema Motorway and the Accra-Tema Beach Road due to ongoing construction activities. Additionally, maintenance works are underway on sections of the N1 (Tetteh Quarshie to Kasoa), N6 (Achimota to Amasaman), and N4 (Shiashie to Oyibi) highways, being undertaken by the Ghana Highways Authority.
Among the ceremonial and high-priority roads where streetlights have been successfully installed are:
George Bush Highway
28th February Road
Independence Avenue (Jubilee House Road)
Starlet 91 Road
Atta Mills Highway – Fire Service Training School
Giffard Road (37 to Trade Fair)
Weija Junction to Oblogo Cluster of Schools
Community 18 Road
ACP to Pokuase Interchange
Sege to Kasseh and Sege to Anyamam Roads
Action Junction to Atomic Junction Road
Kpone Barrier to Saki Bediako and Michel Camp
The Minister emphasized that the improved street lighting is already yielding positive results in terms of enhanced visibility and public safety.
Streetlight Cable Theft Remains a Major Concern
Despite the successes, the Minister highlighted one persistent challenge that threatens the sustainability of the project: cable theft. He described the issue as a “major setback” and warned that anyone caught stealing vital components would face severe consequences.
“I wish to passionately appeal to all citizens to be patriotic and safeguard public infrastructure. We must all be on the lookout—if you see something, say something,” he urged.
He further indicated that MMDCEs, in their roles as Chairpersons of the District Security Committees, will be tasked with formulating mechanisms to identify and clamp down on perpetrators.
A Call for Sustainable Funding
Looking ahead, the Minister called for collaborative dialogue among agencies in the power sector to develop a framework for disbursing to the MMDAs their share of the 1% levy charged to consumers for streetlights. According to him, this would provide much-needed resources to sustain and maintain the lighting infrastructure.
He also advised advertisers who mount billboards and signages along medians to obtain the necessary permits from MMDAs to avoid damaging underground streetlight cables.
The Minister concluded the briefing by expressing his gratitude to the President, Vice President, the Ministry of Energy, the MMDAs, contractors, and media partners for their immense support.
“As we step out to observe some of the lit streets tonight, let us remember—it is the hard work of our MMDAs and contractors that has brought light to our roads,” he remarked.
The Lighting Accra initiative stands as a key step in making the capital safer, brighter, and more livable.