Road Ministry Warns Against Theft As It Restores Defective Traffic Lights

The Ministry of Roads and Highways has warned the general public against theft and damage to Traffic Control Infrastructures especially traffic lights in the country.

The caution comes as it begins restoring defective traffic lights across the country.

It noted that an inventory by the Ministry found vehicular crashes, theft, and vandalism were the principal causes of damage to traffic lights.

“An inventory undertaken by the Ministry on malfunctioning traffic lights across the country indicates that a significant number of them are due to vehicular crashes, theft, and vandalism.

“In most cases, the cost of replacement is equivalent to undertaking new installations. This imposes additional financial burden on the Ministry and the taxpayer for prompt restoration and timely maintenance.”

Announcing its quest to fix all malfunctioning traffic lights in the country, the Ministry said it has collaborated with the Police to patrol these locations daily.

“The Ministry in collaborating with the Ghana Police shall ensure that all persons who cause damage to Public Road Infrastructure are made to face the full rigours of the law as stipulated in LI. 2180” which makes damage to Public Road Infrastructure an offence.

It further appealed to the public to report anyone they find damaging to these infrastructures.

At Adum in Kumasi, Accra, Takoradi and most parts of the country, idle traffic lights are sitting down in some intersections throwing drivers into chaos and posing many risks to motorists.

Motorists have for years decried malfunctioning traffic lights in parts of the country and this announcement by the Ministry comes as a relief.