Residents of the Wa Municipality in the Upper West Region have raised serious concerns over the deteriorating state of street lighting in the area, describing it as a major threat to public safety and local businesses.
Many parts of the municipality remain in complete darkness after sunset, heightening fears of crime and making it difficult for businesses to operate at night. Community members say the situation has emboldened criminals and forced traders and pedestrians to limit their activities after dark.
Speaking to Channel One News, several Assembly Members attributed the rising insecurity in Wa to the poor state of street lighting. They warned that unless urgent measures are taken, criminal activities such as theft and attacks on pedestrians and mobile money vendors would only increase.
Assembly Members from the Kabanye and Fifamuni Electoral Areas, Minkaili Yakubu and Silinba Hamidu, lamented how the lack of streetlights is impacting both safety and economic activity. They noted that students who attend evening classes also face risks as they commute home through poorly lit streets.
“When the streets were well-lit, the place was quiet, and people were happy to go about their business. But now, due to the darkness in some parts of the town, fear has taken over, and many businesses have slowed down,” Yakubu stated.
Suta Idrisu Erasung, another concerned resident, appealed to authorities to prioritize the situation before it worsens.
“We want the government to help us install streetlights in areas that don’t have them. The lack of street lighting is affecting businesses, especially mobile money vendors, and is making it unsafe for students at night,” he stressed.
Residents also pointed out that the absence of proper lighting on major roads has increased the risk of accidents, as motorists struggle to navigate in the dark.
They are, therefore, calling on the Wa Municipal Assembly and the government to swiftly repair and extend the street lighting system across the municipality to ensure public safety and restore confidence in nighttime activities.