Nine Months On, Accra Still Plagued by Darkness — Residents Ask: Where Are the Lights?
Nine months have passed since the Greater Accra Regional Minister pledged that streetlights across the city would be turned on within two weeks. To date, many neighborhoods remain shrouded in darkness, leaving residents frustrated, insecure, and questioning the seriousness of the administration’s promises.
Broken Promises Under the Dark Sky
On 28 August 2025, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, announced that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) would have two weeks to fix all faulty streetlights in their jurisdictions. She disclosed that her office, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, had secured 3,000 units to distribute—giving each assembly 100 lights—with the expectation that assemblies would procure additional units as needed.
She warned strongly:
“Let me be clear: you have only two weeks to ensure that every single one of those lights is fixed. No excuses, no delays. I will personally monitor this directive. Any chief executive who fails to comply will be exposed and reported.”
In subsequent statements, the Minister also pledged that by November 2025, at least 70 percent of the streetlights in Greater Accra would be operational.
Yet, as of October 2025, many parts of Accra remain without functional lighting. Streets, alleys, and main thoroughfares are plunged into darkness nightly—posing safety risks and fueling public frustration.
The Human Cost of Darkness
Residents in various suburbs report an increase in petty crime, road accidents, and a pervasive sense of unease after dusk.
“You cannot walk freely after 7 pm in some streets,” said a resident in Dansoman.
“Even for commercial motor riders, visibility is poor. It’s dangerous,” added another in Legon.
Shop owners complain of reduced evening business, and motorists lament increased hazards in dark intersections. Street vendors say foot traffic has dwindled. Local community leaders use social media to demand answers, but responses remain vague.
Accountability or Excuses?
Critics argue that the failure to deliver stems from poor planning, gaps in funding, and weak oversight. Some assemblies say they lacked budgetary allocation or delayed procurement processes. Others allege bureaucratic red tape and logistical bottlenecks.
In her defence, Minister Ocloo said that some assemblies inherited offices without adequate funds, and that budgeting constraints delayed implementation. She insisted, however, that her office will continue to “check and ensure” that the commitment is fulfilled.
But for many Ghanaians, these explanations ring hollow. The two-week ultimatum is viewed as political theatre: bold rhetoric followed by prolonged inaction.
What Must Be Done
To restore confidence and uphold public safety, the following steps are critical:
- Transparent Progress Reports
The Regional Minister’s office should regularly publish actual status reports—street by street—on repairs and installations. - Accountability for MMDCEs
Assemblies failing to comply should be publicly named, and corrective measures (including budget cuts or administrative sanctions) should follow. - Community Participation
Local associations and traditional leaders should be involved in monitoring installations and flagging dark spots. - Sustainable Funding & Maintenance
Beyond one-off installations, durable financing (including maintenance contracts) is essential to prevent future breakdowns. - Independent Audit
Engage civil society or audit firms to verify whether funds and materials were used as intended.
Looking Ahead
Nine months after the bold declaration, Accra’s streets remain dark in many areas. The promise of illumination has turned into a symbol of broken commitments and unmet expectations. For the Minister, MMDCEs, and the central government, the test is not in making declarations—but in delivering results.
As the city continues its night drift in shadows, everyday citizens await a turnaround. And with each passing day, the public’s patience and trust erode further. Will the lights finally come on? Or will the darkness remain the lasting legacy of failed promises?
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