Editorial: Regulating Outdoor Advertising, KoKMA Takes The Right Step

The Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) in the Greater Accra Region has issued a directive to advertisers to remove all illegal signages within its jurisdiction. The directive, which is aimed at ensuring safety and accessibility affects signages that do not have the assembly’s authorisation, as such, does not have the assembly’s symbol embossed on them.

The Coordinating Director of the assembly, Emmanuel Baisie, who issued the directive at a stakeholder meeting with the Advertisers  Association of Ghana (AAG), also urged them to comply strictly with the Ghana Standards Authority’s guidelines on outdoor signage, ensuring consistency, safety and regulatory adherence in all installations.

He also stressed the need for advertisers to maintain the approved spacing between signages in order to prevent visual clutter and enhance the municipality’s aesthetic appeal. Mr Baisie further outlined procedures and timelines for acquiring signage permits, emphasising the need for compliance to avoid penalties.

The meeting was to discuss best practices in the industry and also foster collaboration, ensure compliance with regulatory standards and promote responsible advertising within the jurisdiction.

The Director, Physical Planning of KoKMA, NayramAkutei, also underscored the critical need for harmonising outdoor advertising practices within the municipality.

First of all, the KoKMA has taken a commendable step in regulating outdoor advertising by directing advertisers to remove all illegal signages within its jurisdiction. The directive, which mandates that all signages must bear the assembly’s authorisation symbol, signifies the assembly’s commitment to orderliness and regulatory compliance.

The Chronicle has sadly observed that one of the most visible challenges in urban areas across the country is the indiscriminate placement of posters and billboards, particularly during election seasons. The political parties, in their bid to reach voters, flood the streets with campaign posters, banners and billboards often with little regard for existing regulations. Once the elections are over, many of these posters remain in place, peeling off and contributing to visual pollution.

It is crucial that the same zeal with which political campaign materials are put up is applied to their removal once the elections are over. The assembly should take proactive measures to ensure that political parties clean up their mess to show a good example of responsible advertising practices.

Beyond election-related signage, KoKMA’s directive is crucial in addressing broader concerns of urban planning and safety. Unauthorised and poorly placed billboards often obstruct visibility for both pedestrians and motorists, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, the haphazard installation of signages can weaken infrastructure, leading to potential hazards in extreme weather conditions. When regulations that ensure proper spacing and alignment of signages are enforced,KoKMA would be prioritising public safety and urban sustainability.

The engagement with the Advertisers Association of Ghana (AAG) is also a step in the right direction, fostering collaboration between the assembly and industry players. Such engagements are essential to creating a transparent and efficient regulatory framework where advertisers clearly understand the guidelines and expectations of the assembly.

The call by advertisers for clearly defined demarcation of KoKMA’s jurisdiction is a valid concern, as it will help businesses place their advertisements appropriately and in compliance with municipal regulations. Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly deserves praise for this decisive action to regulate outdoor advertising.

However, enforcement must be consistent and non-discriminatory. Political parties, corporate advertisers, and small businesses alike must all adhere to the guidelines. More importantly, a long-term plan should be put in place to maintain a clean, safe, and visually appealing environment for us all.

 

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