Kumasi, Oct 12, GNA - The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has begun demolishing unauthorised billboards in the metropolis. The measure is to instil discipline in the outdoor advertising industry in the city that had been flawed with abuse and violation over the years.

A statement signed by Mr Kwame Frimpong, Public Relations Officer of the assembly and issued in Kumasi on Tuesday, stated that even though the assembly had byelaws to regulate outdoor advertising in the city, these had been ignored or violated with impunity by advertisers.

It said the exercise was to ensure that all those who had not acquired permits for their sign and billboards were penalised. The statement reminded the public that it was an offence to erect a signboard or any outdoor advertising material in the city without first obtaining a permit.

It appealed to advertisers who had not yet obtained permits and paid their annual rents to settle their bills for the year to avoid loosing their billboards.