Several major streets in Accra remain without illumination, raising concerns among residents and motorists despite Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Akweley Ocloo’s pledge to restore 70% of the region’s streetlights to enhance security.
The minister, during a press briefing after her swearing-in, assured the public that efforts were underway to address the widespread streetlight outages, citing security and road safety as key motivations for the initiative. She acknowledged that poor visibility at night has led to a rise in road accidents and crime, especially in areas with high foot traffic. As part of her commitment, she promised to fix 70% of the broken streetlights within her first 50 days in office.
However, weeks after her promise, major strides are yet to be made towards fixing the streetlights. Residents and business owners in affected areas have expressed frustration over the persistent darkness, which they say makes them vulnerable to theft and other crimes. Many argue that the situation is worsening, with certain roads becoming hotspots for criminal activity due to the lack of adequate lighting. Some business owners have reported an increase in break-ins and robberies, while pedestrians fear walking alone at night.
Of particular concern is the fact that the primary road leading to the seat of government, Jubilee House, also lacks functional streetlights. This has raised questions about the urgency and prioritisation of the regional minister’s promise, as even critical government infrastructure remains affected. Motorists who frequently use the road have described the situation as alarming, given the national significance of the area. Some have also pointed out the irony of government officials advocating for enhanced security while key state institutions remain in darkness.
Across Accra, areas such as Teshie, Nungua, Madina, Adenta, and parts of Kasoa have reported prolonged streetlight outages, leaving residents anxious over their safety. Many have resorted to using private lighting solutions, such as solar lamps and torchlights, just to navigate their way home safely at night. Shop owners and traders operating in poorly lit areas say they are particularly at risk, as criminals take advantage of the darkness to commit robberies.
A taxi driver operating along the Spintex Road lamented that the lack of lighting makes driving at night dangerous, with increased risks of accidents. He noted that some drivers rely on their high beams, which can temporarily blind oncoming motorists, further endangering road users. Pedestrians have also raised concerns about their safety, as some parts of the city become difficult to navigate once night falls. Some residents have even called for a review of the city’s overall approach to urban lighting, suggesting that solar-powered streetlights be installed to provide a more sustainable and reliable solution.
In response to the growing concerns, security experts have warned that prolonged darkness in key areas of the capital could lead to an upsurge in crime. They argue that criminals often exploit poorly lit areas to carry out their activities with minimal risk of being caught. Some experts have also emphasized that beyond crime, inadequate street lighting contributes to more road accidents, especially in areas with high vehicular and pedestrian movement. Reports indicate that several hit-and-run incidents have occurred on dimly lit roads, leaving victims with little chance of identifying the vehicles involved.
Public pressure continues to mount on the minister to fulfill her promise, as many believe street lighting is a basic necessity that should not be neglected. Some civil society groups have also called on the government to allocate emergency funds to expedite the repair and installation of streetlights across the region. Others have suggested that private sector partnerships could be leveraged to speed up the process, as prolonged darkness affects not only security but also economic activity in the city.
Businesses that operate at night, such as restaurants, shops, and transportation services, have reported a decline in customer traffic, with some residents choosing to stay indoors after dark due to safety concerns. Commercial drivers have also noted a reduction in passengers, as fewer people are willing to take the risk of moving through poorly lit areas. Ride-hailing drivers, in particular, have shared experiences of passengers requesting to be dropped off at well-lit locations rather than directly at their homes, fearing potential attacks in dark alleys.
Some residents have taken it upon themselves to advocate for community-led lighting initiatives, urging local authorities to prioritize the issue. A resident in Adenta explained that their neighborhood had started a fundraising effort to purchase and install solar-powered streetlights since the government had failed to act swiftly. He added that while this was not a long-term solution, it was necessary for the safety of the community.
Meanwhile, political analysts have weighed in on the situation, noting that the minister’s failure to address the issue within the promised timeframe could affect public confidence in the regional administration. Some have criticized the government’s handling of infrastructure maintenance, arguing that a proactive approach should have been taken rather than waiting for public outcry. Others have warned that if the problem persists, it could become a key campaign issue in future elections, with residents demanding accountability from political leaders.
With only a few weeks left to meet the minister’s 50-day deadline, residents are hoping for swift action to improve street lighting across Accra. Many say they are eager to see real progress rather than repeated assurances. Some have also called for greater transparency in the government’s plans, urging officials to provide clear timelines and updates on the restoration of streetlights.
Until then, the city remains engulfed in darkness, leaving both residents and visitors vulnerable to the dangers that come with it.
