The Greater Accra director of National Disaster Management Organisation, Dennis Nartey has stated that the demolition of hazardous structures is an urgent priority as authorities work to prevent another disaster. He indicated that the unstable buildings pose an immediate threat to public safety and requires swift intervention.
Addressing the ongoing delay in the demolition exercise, Mr Nartey said enough assessment has already been done to justify immediate action. He stressed that emergency response should begin before lives are placed at greater risk.
“Should we wait until disaster strikes before we quickly put in a rescue mission? The building is a disaster waiting to happen.”
Dennis Nartey
Discussing the structural risk of an Avenor building, the NADMO director explained that building is directly attached to the other structure that previously collapsed. He added that this physical connection has heightened fears of a secondary collapse.
Furthermore, Mr Nartey disclosed that the Ministry of the Interior had initially issued instructions for immediate demolition. He noted that preparations were underway to begin the exercise before another directive paused operations due to legal issues.
He added that the operation involves technical planning for the demolition itself. The NADMO director revealed that explosives may be required to safely bring down the structure due to its condition and location.
Additionally, he stated that all relevant agencies have been engaged in the process to ensure safe execution. The focus, he said, remains on completing every technical and security requirement before the operation begins.
Mr Nartey also highlighted the role of national security clearance in the delay. He explained that the current obstacle lies with National Security, which is reviewing the final authorisation.
In light of this, the affected area has been barricaded to prevent public access. He noted that an evacuation notice was issued immediately, allowing occupants to remove furniture and essential belongings ahead of demolition.
Moreover, the NADMO director affirmed that demolition teams remain on standby. He stated that once approval is granted, the operation will commence without delay.
Evacuation Deadline Nears as Demolition Orders Expand
Authorities are intensifying enforcement measures as more unsafe structures across Greater Accra face possible demolition. The renewed push comes as evacuation deadlines draw closer for residents occupying high risk buildings.
Discussing earlier assessments, Dennis Nartey disclosed that six out of the initially identified 16 structures are now fully cleared for demolition. He said the most advanced cases include the Kaiser Flats, where technical reports have already been completed.
A key aspect of the current process involves relocating residents before demolition begins. Mr Nartey explained that authorities have deliberately allowed time for families to pack and move their belongings to safer locations.
Furthermore, the NADMO director acknowledged that humanitarian considerations have shaped the pace of enforcement. He said officials have adopted a measured approach to reduce hardship during the evacuation process.
“We gave them three weeks. The deadline ends in early July. Lives must remain protected. from next week, I think we have to start using force. And one of the strict measures we are using is to make sure that they cut off the electricity and the water supply to the property.”
Dennis Nartey
Mr Nartey noted that several families have already begun moving after visits by NADMO officers. Meanwhile, stricter measures are being prepared for those yet to comply. He revealed that electricity and water supply to affected properties may be disconnected to compel evacuation.
The focus remains on preventing loss of life as the rainy season intensifies. Mr Nartey warned that weakened structures face heightened risk of collapse under current weather conditions.
Moreover, the director confirmed that the Ghana Police Service and National Security have been notified to support enforcement. Their involvement, he said, will ensure safe evacuation if compulsory action becomes necessary.
He further disclosed that residents have already been offered relocation options at Community 26. In addition, Tema Development Corporation is assisting efforts to encourage voluntary relocation.
Beyond the initial 16 structures, authorities are also investigating new reports of unsafe buildings. Mr Nartey stated that two additional structures located in Osu and Chorkor will undergo integrity testing.
Consideration is being given to expanding the demolition list if those buildings fail structural assessments. The NADMO director finally signalled that enforcement will continue as part of efforts to safeguard lives and property across the capital.
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