Mitigation Strategies of Visual Pollution on Highways in The Bolgatanga Municipal, Ghana.

Purpose: This study examines visual pollution along the Bolgatanga highway, focusing on outdoor advertising (OAs) and signage. It aims to identify the causes, assess impacts on road users, and propose strategies to mitigate visual pollution, addressing a critical gap in Ghanaian environmental policy and research. Design/Methodology/Approach: A survey of 200 road users was conducted on a 3.4 km highway stretch between the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital Intersection and the STC Bus Terminal. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire and photographic analysis of visual clutter. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse responses regarding demographics, causes of visual pollution, and its impacts. Findings: The survey identified poorly maintained banners (47%) and large billboards with excessive text (39.5%) as primary contributors to visual clutter. Overhead signs also obstructed scenic views (21.5%). Road users expressed mixed views on OAs: 39.5% appreciated their navigation utility, while 31.5% found them distracting, particularly in high-traffic areas. Motorcyclists and pedestrians were especially vulnerable to visual distractions, increasing road safety concerns. Research Limitation: The research is geographically confined to a single highway stretch in Bolgatanga, necessitating further studies across broader contexts to validate and extend the results. Practical Implications: Improved design standards should prioritise safety and community aesthetics, with input from graphic design professionals. Social Implication: Addressing visual pollution can improve road safety, reduce environmental stress, and enhance Bolgatanga's aesthetic and cultural identity, benefiting residents and visitors. Originality/Value: This study is among the first to explore visual pollution in a Ghanaian municipality, highlighting its environmental and safety implications. It offers practical solutions integrating urban planning, graphic design, and public policy for a visually sustainable future.