Authorities ban posters and banners on Accra’s streets

This comes following a directive by the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) of the Greater Accra Region (GAR).

"We the MMDCEs of the GAR have observed with concern the indiscriminate proliferation and unauthorised banners and posters affixed along our ceremonial streets and key locations of the region," a statement from the body says.

“These illegal activities are of a serious threat to our beautification drive of the city aside connoting of blatant disregard to the assemblies' by-laws.”

Banners and posters currently adorning affected streets are to be removed within a fortnight, according to the directive. Failure to remove the offending materials will lead to a surcharging of the owners following the deadline.

“The culprits shall be dealt with in accordance with the respective by-laws of the assemblies,” says the statement, which was read on behalf of the 26 MMDCEs by Ga East municipal chief executive Janet Tulasi Mensah on 28 February.

The statement quoted part of the Accra metropolitan assembly’s by-laws (2017): “A person shall not affix bills or posters for advertisement on any wall, road sign, tree or fixtures, other than on spaces specifically provided or approved by the assembly for that purpose or on property owned or occupied by that person.”

The ban will not affect banners or posters promoting government events, however, the statement said. Certain areas will be made available for banners and posters advertising non-government events. The public will have to apply to qualify to use these areas. Mensah encouraged the public to send in applications to be considered.

"[This press conference] marks the beginning of series of actions earmarked to ensure a sanitised GAR that will catapult the beautification and cleanliness agenda of the city of Accra," Mensah said.