NRSA Orders Urgent Repairs to Faulty Traffic Lights, Missing Road Signs as TraffiTech Enforcement Begins
Credit: myjoyonline.com
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has directed the Ghana Highway Authority and the Department of Urban Roads to urgently repair malfunctioning traffic lights, replace missing or damaged road signs and restore faded road markings as Ghana rolls out its digital traffic enforcement system, TraffiTech-GH.
In a letter dated November 3, 2026, and addressed to the two road sector agencies, the NRSA expressed concern over the poor condition and absence of essential road infrastructure, warning that the situation poses significant safety risks to motorists, pedestrians and other road users.
The directive comes days after TraffiTech-GH, a technology-driven traffic monitoring and enforcement system, commenced operations on November 1, 2026, with the aim of improving compliance with road traffic regulations and promoting safer driving across the country.
According to the Authority, the existing infrastructure challenges could undermine the effectiveness of the digital enforcement system if urgent corrective measures are not implemented.
“I write on behalf of the NRSA to express the Authority’s deep dismay at the prevailing absence and poor condition of road furniture on roads under your institution’s jurisdiction, and to call for immediate and decisive action to address these deficiencies, particularly in view of the commencement of TraffiTech-GH,” the letter stated.
NRSA Identifies Critical Road Safety Deficiencies
The Authority identified malfunctioning traffic lights, missing or damaged road signs, illegible signage and faded or absent road markings as some of the major infrastructure deficiencies requiring immediate attention.
It explained that traffic lights that remain off, flicker or malfunction create confusion among motorists and increase the risk of road crashes, particularly at busy intersections.
The NRSA further disclosed that these concerns had been raised on several occasions and featured prominently at a recent Breakfast Meeting on Road Safety organised under the auspices of the Minister for Transport.
It stressed that the need to address the deficiencies had become more urgent following the commencement of TraffiTech-GH, which relies on functional road infrastructure and clearly visible road furniture to achieve its objectives.
“This technology-driven enforcement and monitoring system depends on functional road infrastructure and compliant road furniture,” the letter stated.
“Malfunctioning traffic lights, missing signage and faded markings will frustrate the system and render enforcement ineffective.”
The Authority also reminded the two agencies of their responsibility to support government programmes and ensure that the infrastructure under their jurisdiction meets the necessary safety standards.
Road Agencies Directed to Prioritise Repairs
As part of the directive, the NRSA has instructed the Ghana Highway Authority and the Department of Urban Roads to prioritise remedial works at high-risk locations.
The required interventions include repairing or replacing faulty traffic lights, restoring missing or damaged road signs and repainting faded road markings to improve visibility and road safety.
The agencies have also been directed to provide timelines for completing the necessary works and ensure that all road furniture is functional and meets the required standards without further delay.
The NRSA warned that the matter would not be treated as a routine administrative request, particularly because the digital traffic enforcement system had already commenced operations.
It added that its Regulations, Inspections and Compliance Directorate would monitor the agencies’ responses and could issue formal compliance notices if they failed to take the necessary action in accordance with the Authority’s mandate.
“The Authority expects prompt and decisive action. Road safety cannot be compromised, and the success of TraffiTech-GH depends on the readiness of our road infrastructure,” the letter added.
NRSA Director-General Warns of Possible Legal Action
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, NRSA Director-General Abraham Amaliba confirmed that the Authority had formally written to the road sector agencies over the infrastructure challenges.
Mr Amaliba disclosed that he had written another letter to the agencies on Tuesday, November 3, drawing attention to concerns surrounding road markings and street lighting and urging them to take immediate corrective action.
He further warned that the NRSA could resort to legal action if the agencies failed to address the identified deficiencies.
“I’ve written a letter to them again just yesterday, saying that there are concerns about the road markings, there are concerns about the street lighting, and they must take steps to fix them. Otherwise, the law even allows me to go to court against them,” he said.
The NRSA’s directive highlights the need for road infrastructure improvements to accompany the introduction of digital traffic monitoring and enforcement, ensuring that road users are provided with the necessary safety infrastructure as authorities intensify efforts to enforce traffic regulations.
