Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has revealed that only 63 percent of traffic lights across Ghana are currently operational.
According to an April 2026 assessment by the Department of Urban Roads, only 257 out of 411 traffic signal installations under its jurisdiction are functioning, while 132 are inactive and 22 have been permanently decommissioned.
The report indicates that the Greater Accra Region alone accounts for 241 traffic lights, representing 59 percent of the national total, with the Ashanti Region following with 61 installations.
The assessment further revealed that between 2020 and 2026, a total of 587 critical incidents affected the traffic light network nationwide.
Vehicular crashes accounted for 455 of the incidents, representing 77.5 percent, with reckless driving and overspeeding identified as major causes of damage to traffic infrastructure.
The report also cited vandalism and theft as major challenges, accounting for more than 100 incidents involving the theft of solar panels, batteries, copper cables and computerized control systems.
Authorities say restoration works are also being delayed by contractual disputes and unpaid debts owed to maintenance contractors.
The Roads Ministry further disclosed that Ghana is currently facing a 55 million dollar judgment debt linked to the Accra Intelligent Traffic Management contract.
To address the situation, the Department of Urban Roads says it is introducing enhanced security measures, including burglar-proof protective cages, reinforced control cabinets and stricter identification protocols for field technicians.
Government is also pursuing the expansion of intelligent traffic management systems to improve traffic control and reduce congestion in urban areas.
Releasing the assessment, Roads Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza appealed to the public to help protect road infrastructure.
“Let’s work together to keep our public road traffic lights working,” he stated.
