The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) is set to introduce a new system for outdoor advertising in the metropolis, with traditional static billboards expected to gradually give way to digital advertising boards from 2027.
The initiative forms part of the Assembly’s broader efforts to bring order to outdoor advertising, improve the visual appearance of Kumasi and address safety concerns associated with the uncontrolled placement of advertising structures.
Kumasi Mayor, Richard Ofori Boadi Agyemang, announced the planned changes during an engagement with 28 registered advertising companies operating in the metropolis.
He expressed concern about the growing number of billboards of different sizes being erected along major roads without sufficient uniformity in their design and placement.
According to the Mayor, the situation has contributed to a lack of order in the city and, in some instances, created potential obstructions for motorists and pedestrians.
“For a city to thrive, there must be order,” he said.
KMA to introduce stricter billboard controls
Under the proposed policy, the KMA intends to reduce the overall number of advertising boards across Kumasi while introducing clearer requirements governing their size, design and location.
The Assembly will determine how many billboards can be installed along specific stretches of road and establish separate standards for major transport corridors and other strategic areas.
The new guidelines are expected to cover prominent locations including Airport Roundabout, Sofoline, Ahodwo and Bekwai Roundabout.
Special requirements will also apply to advertising structures around the Kumasi Zoo, Kejetia and the Central Business District.
No billboards on Ahodwo-Santasi stretch for now
The KMA has also placed a temporary restriction on billboard installations along the Ahodwo-Santasi stretch.
According to the Mayor, no new billboards will be permitted along that route until the ongoing road dualisation project has been completed.
The restriction is intended to prevent advertising structures from interfering with the road project and the planned configuration of the corridor.
Old and non-compliant billboards to be removed
The Assembly is also preparing to take action against billboards that no longer meet acceptable standards.
Mr Agyemang warned that over-aged and dilapidated advertising structures would be removed as part of the exercise.
Billboards associated with outstanding payments to the Assembly will also face removal.
The KMA’s latest policy direction signals a major shift in how outdoor advertising will be managed in Kumasi, with the Assembly seeking to move from a largely unregulated billboard landscape towards a more controlled and digitally oriented system.
The planned changes are expected to affect advertising companies, property owners and other businesses that rely on outdoor advertising across the metropolis.
