By Mohammed Ibrahim

Copyright zaaghana

The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA) has called on the Department of Urban Roads under the Ghana Highway Authority to urgently address the recurring malfunction of traffic signals at key intersections across the metropolis.

This follows growing concerns among residents and motorists over the intermittent failure of traffic lights, particularly in high-traffic zones such as the Central Business District, the Gulkpe Naa’s Palace area, and the Agric traffic intersection all within the city center.

For weeks, motorists have decried the Assembly’s delayed response in addressing these malfunctions, which have led to confusion, increased traffic congestion, and in some cases, minor crashes at affected junctions.

To maintain order, community police officers have been deployed to direct traffic manually at these locations.

TaMA Responds to Public Concerns

In a statement signed by the Assembly’s Public Relations Officer, Gbe Naa Amadu Mustapha Zakari, TaMA acknowledged the concerns and assured the public that it is working closely with the Department of Urban Roads to rectify the faults.

“The Assembly has received numerous complaints and is fully aware of the frustrations of residents and motorists facing traffic safety challenges due to this persistent issue,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the safety and convenience of residents remain a top priority for the Assembly, and efforts are underway to restore all malfunctioning signals as quickly as possible.

Maintenance Not Under TaMA’s Direct Mandate

The statement clarified that the maintenance and repair of traffic infrastructure, including signals, falls under the mandate of the Department of Urban Roads, not the Assembly itself.

Nonetheless, TaMA assured the public that it has been in continuous communication with the responsible agency and is using direct engagement to press for urgent repairs.

“Management has engaged with relevant stakeholders and continues to put pressure on the Department of Urban Roads to expedite the restoration of the traffic signals,” it added.

In the interim, TaMA is urging all road users to remain patient, exercise caution, and adhere strictly to traffic regulations, particularly at affected intersections.

To reduce the risk of accidents, the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service has been notified and deployed to provide traffic control and guidance at these key points.

“The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly remains committed to working with all stakeholders—state and non-state actors alike—to ensure that the city’s infrastructure functions effectively for the benefit of all residents,” the statement concluded.

TaMA also pledged to provide regular updates to the public on progress made toward resolving the issue.