The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of vandalism and theft of traffic light infrastructure across Ghana, revealing that a traffic signal mounted in front of the National Police Headquarters was recently stolen.
Speaking in Parliament on June 10, Mr Agbodza described the development as a serious challenge to road safety and traffic management efforts. He disclosed that out of about 415 traffic light installations nationwide, only slightly over 60 per cent are currently operational.
According to the minister, many of the non-functional signals are the result of deliberate vandalism, with individuals targeting control chambers to remove and sell metal components as scrap. He added that some traffic lights are also damaged by motorists who crash into them and fail to report the incidents.
Mr Agbodza said the theft near the Police Headquarters highlights the boldness of vandals and exposes the vulnerability of critical public infrastructure. He warned that the growing trend is undermining state investments aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing accidents in major cities, including Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale.
He called on the public to assist by reporting suspicious activities and urged stronger collaboration between road authorities, security agencies and scrap metal dealers to help curb the menace.