Only 63% of Ghana’s traffic lights work – Urban Roads Report

Ghana’s traffic light system is collapsing under accidents, theft, and neglect, with nearly 4 out of every 10 traffic signals across the country either dead or permanently removed.

A shocking April 2026 report by the Department of Urban Roads (DUR), released by Roads Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza, has revealed.

According to the report only 257 out of 411 traffic lights nationwide are currently working, which is about just 63 percent.

The remaining signals are either inactive, causing massive traffic jams at busy intersections, or have been completely decommissioned after severe damage.

The report blames reckless driving as the biggest cause of destruction, stating that between 2020 and 2026, there were 587 major incidents affecting traffic lights, with crashes alone accounting for 455 cases.

Overspeeding drivers reportedly smashed poles, controllers, and gantries at hotspots including Okponglo, Tesano, and Kasoa.

The report said organised thieves are also attacking the system, stealing solar panels, batteries, copper cables, and computerized controllers, adding that in some areas, criminals reportedly climbed overhead structures just to cut and steal expensive cables.

The Awoshie-Pokuase corridor has become one of the worst-hit areas. At School Junction, a deadly crash completely destroyed the traffic light control system. At Odorgono and Anyaa Market, thieves repeatedly broke into installations to steal equipment, it said.

The report said the DUR says outdated equipment is adding to the crisis, with some traffic systems now impossible to repair because replacement parts are no longer manufactured.

Meanwhile, efforts to fix the damaged lights are being slowed by financial and legal troubles. Government reportedly owes contractors for maintenance works already completed, while a $55 million court judgment debt linked to the Accra Intelligent Traffic Management project continues to hang over the sector.

To stop further destruction, authorities said they are introducing stronger security measures, including steel burglar-proof cages, reinforced covers, and tighter controls for technicians working on the systems.

Despite the crisis, the government says modernisation plans are still ongoing through smart traffic management technology and CCTV-monitored systems in parts of Accra.

Minister Agbodza appealed to the public to help protect the country’s road infrastructure, stating, “Let’s work together to keep our public road traffic lights working,” he said.