People’s National Convention (PNC) Chairman Sampson Asaaki Awingobit has questioned the government’s failure to adequately address poor street lighting despite earlier commitments to deploy solar-powered streetlights across the country.
Speaking to Isaac Addae on The Verdict on Starr FM, Mr Awingobit questioned whether the lack of progress was due to the Energy Ministry’s failure to fulfil its commitments or the inability of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to implement the directive.
He recalled that the Energy Minister had indicated that Ghana would take advantage of its abundant sunshine to provide solar-powered streetlights, which would store energy during the day and illuminate roads at night.
Mr Awingobit also referenced directives issued to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to return to their respective assemblies and ensure their communities were adequately lit.
However, he expressed concern that poor street lighting remained a problem despite these assurances, raising questions about the implementation of the government’s plans.
“What is wrong? Is it that the minister was not doing the work, or the MMDCEs who are not doing the work?” he asked.
Mr Awingobit stressed that street lighting was a basic necessity, particularly because of its importance to public safety and security.
He cited the stretch from the Forestry Road to the Achimota Police Station as an example of a route where the lack of streetlights remained a concern.
He called on the responsible authorities to move beyond promises and take concrete steps to improve street lighting, insisting that the government and local authorities must address the situation rather than shift responsibility for the delays.
Story By Pamela Quayson
