Some areas of the Bolgatanga Municipality in the Upper East Region have been plunged into darkness due to malfunctioning streetlights on major streets. The issue has persisted for about a week, affecting key roads, including the highway from the SSNIT bungalows through the Regional Library, Ministries, and the Regional Coordinating Council roads.
Impact on Traffic Systems
As of the evening of July 8, 2025, thesavannaonline observed that the streetlight outage had also disrupted the traffic light system in the Municipality. Several intersections, including those at SSNIT, the Regional Police Headquarters, and the Library junction, had traffic lights that were either not functioning or entirely out of order. Other traffic light systems, including those at key intersections like the GBC, MTN, and hospital junctions, had been out of order for several years.
Challenges at Key Intersections
The outages at these critical intersections are causing congestion, particularly on market days, forcing motorists and pedestrians to navigate through busy roads with little to no guidance. At some intersections, the traffic lights are present but non-operational. In contrast, others have been completely displaced and are no longer at their original locations.
Concerns from Local Vendors
Local vendors along the major highway have expressed concerns about the lack of streetlights, which are affecting their businesses. Ms. Divine Grace Aneriba, a food vendor along the highway, shared that the darkness makes it difficult for customers to see her stall, significantly impacting her sales. Other vendors, including those selling pork and other food items, voiced similar frustrations, urging authorities to address the situation swiftly.
Municipal Chief Executive Responds
Mr. Roland Atanga Ayoo, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), acknowledged the ongoing challenges and explained the lighting issues. He noted that the streetlight installation was done by a contractor from the Upper West Region, who lacks a permanent presence in Bolgatanga. As a result, repairs take longer to complete, particularly when the contractor is unavailable.
Electrical Issues Contributing to the Malfunction
The MCE also noted that electrical connectivity issues, such as transformer malfunctions, have contributed to the failure of both street and traffic lights in certain areas. He explained that some of the affected streetlights were not malfunctioning but had been impacted by these electrical problems.
Plans for a Local Solution
To resolve the ongoing issue, the MCE assured residents that the Assembly is working to engage a local contractor with the technical expertise to address the problem more promptly. Efforts are underway to ensure the swift repair and maintenance of the street and traffic lighting systems in the Municipality.
