Accra Streetlight Theft Hinders Illumination Efforts
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has expressed deep concern over the increasing theft and vandalism of streetlight infrastructure across the region, warning it undermines efforts to enhance public safety, particularly as the festive season approaches.
Despite her office successfully repairing 70% of faulty streetlights within her first 50 days in office, Mrs. Ocloo noted that persistent theft of cables and control systems is swiftly reversing these gains. “Just yesterday, when they went back to some areas, half of the lights were already off because of theft,” she revealed.
The Minister’s concerns were raised during a monitoring exercise last Wednesday, observing ongoing sanitation improvements following a week-long clean-up directive issued by the Ministry of Local Government. The exercise encompassed Madina, Adentan, La Dadekotopon, and Ayawaso West Municipal Assemblies.
Task forces within these assemblies were actively engaged in sweeping, clearing drains, and painting road medians to improve the overall cleanliness and orderliness of the areas visited. However, Mrs. Ocloo emphasized that persistent theft poses a substantial obstacle.
“These people know the terrain,” she explained. “They disconnect the system and destroy the cables so the lights cannot be monitored.”
Mrs. Ocloo appealed to the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity around streetlight installations to authorities. “If you see someone roaming behind poles or doing something suspicious, don’t ignore it. You can arrest the person and send them to the nearest police station,” she urged.
She stressed that protecting these vital installations is a collective responsibility, critical for bolstering security, road safety, and the aesthetic appeal of the Greater Accra Region.
Beyond the streetlight issue, the Regional Minister also voiced worry regarding pedestrians’ continued disregard for footbridges, especially during the busy Christmas period. “We are begging citizens to use the footbridges. Even when they are available, people prefer to cross the road. Let us save lives, especially this Christmas,” she pleaded.
To address this, Mrs. Ocloo disclosed that district and regional police commanders have been instructed to intensify traffic control and enforcement. Police personnel have already been deployed to major roads to improve traffic flow and prioritize pedestrian safety.
Regarding sanitation, task forces within the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) will now operate around the clock, with personnel divided into day and night shifts. “We have directed the MMDCEs that if you have 100 task force members, 50 should work during the day and 50 at night,” she stated, adding that arrests will be made to serve as a deterrent.
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