Accra: The Chamber for Local Governance (ChaLoG) has urged the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) to decentralise its operations nationwide to enable it to be part of the works of the Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). The ChaLoG emphasized that such a move would enhance collaboration and improve the implementation of road safety measures across the country.

According to Ghana News Agency, ChaLoG issued a statement urging the NRSA Board and Management to urgently consider decentralising its operations by integrating its staff with the MMDAs. This integration is seen as vital to fully implementing Act 993, which involves the MMDAs in the successful enactment of road safety initiatives. The statement was signed by Dr. Richard Fiadomor, ChaLoG President, and Mr. Romeo Elikplim Akahoho, Executive Secretary.

The call for decentralisation comes in light of recent actions by the NRSA, which cautioned the MMDAs in Greater Accra to remove unauthorised billboards from road medians by June 2, 2025, or face legal consequences. ChaLoG highlighted the importance of collaboration, pointing out that both the NRSA and MMDAs have mandates under separate legislative acts-Act 993 and Act 936, respectively.

ChaLoG noted that the NRSA’s current approach of issuing warnings and threats of legal action might not be the most effective method, especially when MMDAs are exercising their legally granted powers. The chamber urged a cooperative approach, suggesting that working together under the provisions of both acts would be more beneficial for road safety governance and the overall development of local governance structures.