The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) has dismissed claims that the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, is behind alleged selective demolitions of billboards and outdoor signage across the region, describing such assertions as inaccurate and misleading.
In a rejoinder to recent media publications calling on President John Dramani Mahama to “call Linda Ocloo to order,” the GARCC clarified that the ongoing billboard regulation and standardization exercise is neither initiated nor supervised by the Regional Minister or the Council.
According to the GARCC, the enforcement operation is being carried out under the authority of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs through a duly constituted Technical Committee on the Regulation and Standardization of Outdoor Signage.
The Council explained that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) are legally empowered to regulate outdoor signage within their respective jurisdictions, including issuing notices of non-compliance and removing installations that fail to meet safety and permitting requirements.
“These actions are grounded in existing legislation and guided by public safety considerations, particularly where installations pose risks to motorists, pedestrians and public infrastructure,” the statement said.
The GARCC further stressed that the billboard regulation process is consultative and inclusive, noting that the Advertising Association of Ghana and other key stakeholders are represented on the Technical Committee and have been involved from the outset.
Describing attempts to single out the Regional Minister as unfair, the Council cautioned against personalizing what it termed a national, institutional and legally mandated enforcement exercise.
It reaffirmed that Hon. Ocloo remains committed to fairness, transparency and constructive engagement with stakeholders, while supporting lawful processes that promote order, safety and sustainable urban development.
The GARCC urged the public and the media to ensure that responsibility is properly aligned with mandate and that commentary reflects the collaborative regulatory framework already in place.
