The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Greater Accra Region to remove outdoor advertising billboards mounted on pedestrian bridges and vehicular footbridges.

This directive comes amid rising concerns over non-compliance with the Services-Advertising Specification for Outdoor Signs (GS: 847:2019), which states clearly that “the primary and sole function of road or bridge arches/gantries shall be for traffic management.”

In a statement, the NRSA said the move is intended to improve road safety by eliminating visual distractions and ensuring that critical road infrastructure is used appropriately.

“We are taking this action to reduce visual distractions on our roads and ensure that structures like footbridges and overpasses serve their intended purpose—safe and efficient traffic management,” the Authority noted.

Assemblies have been given a 21-day window to comply, after which the NRSA said it would initiate enforcement actions against any defaulters.

“This is not just a regulatory requirement, it’s about protecting lives. Advertising cannot come at the cost of road safety,” the statement added, stressing that the directive is in the best interest of public safety.