Traffic Lights and Signals in Ghana

source: Source: Ghana Driver’s Guide & Ghana Highway Code

Traffic Lights & Signals in Ghana

Traffic lights and signals are used to control traffic flow, reduce congestion, and prevent collisions at junctions and crossings. Every driver in Ghana must understand the meaning of traffic light colours and obey them at all times.

Driver Safety Tip: Always obey traffic lights. Running a red light can result in serious accidents and legal consequences. Ignoring traffic signals is a serious traffic offence in Ghana.

Traffic Light Colours and Their Meanings

Understanding each traffic light colour is essential for road safety in Ghana:

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RED

STOP

●

AMBER

PREPARE TO STOP

●

GREEN

GO IF SAFE

Red Light

Stop completely behind the stop line
Do not cross the stop line
Proceed only when the light changes to green
Check for pedestrians before moving
Never run a red light (serious offence)

Amber (Yellow) Light

Prepare to stop
Stop if it is safe to do so
Do not accelerate to beat the red light
Only cross if unsafe to stop immediately
Amber does NOT mean "speed up"

Green Light

Proceed if the road ahead is clear
Give way to pedestrians already crossing
Obey any signs or road markings
Check all directions before moving
Do not block junctions even on green

Important Notes for Ghanaian Drivers

Peak Traffic Hours: Be extra patient at traffic lights during rush hours (7-9am, 4-7pm)
Rainy Season: Allow extra stopping distance at traffic lights
Night Driving: Be extra vigilant as visibility decreases
Power Outages: Know how to handle non-working lights (see below)
Pedestrian Priority: Always yield to pedestrians at crossings

Traffic Light Arrows

Some traffic lights in Ghana include arrows to control specific turning movements at complex junctions:

→

Green Arrow

You may proceed in the direction shown, even if other lights are red

⛔

Red Arrow

Do not move in that direction, even if the main light is green

⚠️ Important Rule: Arrow signals override the normal green light. Drivers must obey arrow signals strictly. Disobeying arrow signals can cause serious accidents at busy Ghanaian intersections.

Pedestrian Traffic Signals

Pedestrian Protection: Pedestrian signals are provided at crossings to protect pedestrians. Drivers must always respect pedestrian rights at signaled crossings.

Driver Responsibilities

Stop completely when pedestrians have a green signal
Do not block pedestrian crossings under any circumstances
Give way to pedestrians even when you have a green turning arrow
Watch for pedestrians who may start crossing late
Be extra cautious near schools, markets, and hospitals

Legal Requirements

Pedestrians have priority when their signal is green
Failure to yield to pedestrians at crossings is a traffic offence
Blocking crossings can result in fines
Commercial drivers have greater responsibility for passenger safety
Regulation 170 of LI 2180 governs pedestrian rights

Flashing Traffic Signals

Understanding Flashing Lights

Flashing signals are used in specific situations and require special attention:

Flashing Amber

Proceed with extreme caution
Be prepared to stop immediately
Reduce speed significantly
Watch for hazards or pedestrians
Common at pedestrian crossings

Flashing Red

Stop completely at the stop line
Proceed only when absolutely safe
Treat as a stop sign
Check all directions thoroughly
Common at railway crossings

Flashing signals often appear at:

Pedestrian crossings (especially near schools)
School zones during opening and closing times
Roadworks and construction areas
Railway level crossings
Emergency vehicle access points

Signalised Junctions & Non-Working Lights

At Signalised Junctions

Follow traffic lights even if others ignore them
Obey lane arrows and road markings
Do not enter junction unless the exit is clear
Blocking a junction is an offence in Ghana
Watch for motorcycles filtering through traffic
Be patient during peak traffic hours

When Lights Are Not Working

Treat the junction as uncontrolled
Apply right-of-way rules (give way to vehicles on your right)
Proceed cautiously and patiently
Never assume priority - Ghana uses "first come, first served"
Be extra cautious during power outages
Use hand signals if necessary to communicate

⚠️ Junction Blocking: Blocking a junction is an offence in Ghana, even if the light is green. Always ensure your exit is clear before entering an intersection.

Common Mistakes Drivers Make

These common errors cause accidents at traffic lights in Ghana:

💨

Accelerating on Amber

Trying to beat the red light instead of stopping

🚗

Blocking Junctions

Entering intersection without clear exit

🚶

Ignoring Pedestrians

Not yielding at pedestrian crossings

👥

Following Blindly

Following other vehicles without checking signals

Practical Tips for Ghanaian Drivers

Essential Traffic Light Safety Practices

Always check traffic lights before entering intersections - don't assume they'll stay green
Be especially cautious during night or bad weather when visibility is reduced
Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead at all traffic stops
Reduce speed when approaching a junction, even if you have a green light
Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorbikes that may not be visible immediately
Stay alert and avoid distractions while approaching signals
Practice defensive driving: assume others may disobey signals
Plan your route to avoid heavily congested intersections during peak hours

Summary (Quick Revision)

Red means STOP completely behind the stop line

Amber means PREPARE TO STOP - do not accelerate

Green means PROCEED if safe and road is clear

Arrow signals control specific movements and override main lights

Pedestrians have priority when their signal is green

Non-functioning lights require extra caution and right-of-way rules

Never block junctions - even on green light

Always obey traffic signals - it's the law in Ghana

🚦 Remember: Traffic signals exist to protect everyone on Ghana's roads. Obeying them prevents accidents, reduces congestion, and saves lives. Safe driving starts with respecting traffic lights.

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