The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), with assistance from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, has demolished unauthorised structures at Kofikrom in the North Industrial Area to restore access for emergency services.
The exercise followed a major fire outbreak that swept through parts of the settlement and affected sections of the Duraplast area.
The structures removed during the operation included wooden kiosks, makeshift shelters and other temporary installations that had encroached on portions of the road, restricting the movement of fire tenders, water tankers and other emergency vehicles.
The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, said the demolition is not undertaken solely in response to the recent fire.
According to him, the Assembly had issued notices to occupants and directed them to vacate the area by May 29, 2026.
He said the structures had also been marked ahead of the exercise, but several occupants remained despite the warnings and deadline issued by the Assembly.
Mr Allotey explained that the fire outbreak had exposed the dangers posed by the unauthorised structures, particularly because their presence had made it difficult for emergency personnel and equipment to reach some affected areas.
He said the Assembly was determined to clear the entire stretch and prevent the area from being occupied again.
The Mayor stressed that access routes within industrial areas must remain free of obstructions to facilitate emergency response and protect lives and property.
He said while such enforcement exercises could attract criticism, the recent fire demonstrated the potential consequences of allowing unauthorised settlements and structures to obstruct designated access roads.
According to him, the objective of the exercise was broader than the removal of structures, as the Assembly also sought to reduce risks to businesses, workers and nearby industrial facilities in the event of future emergencies.
The Commanding Officer of the 48 Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Osei Amponsah, said the military personnel were deployed to support the Assembly in removing structures that were restricting access to the affected area.
He said the makeshift structures had posed significant challenges to firefighters during the response to the blaze, making it necessary to create adequate space for emergency operations.
Lt. Col. Osei Amponsah explained that the support provided by the 48 Engineer Regiment formed part of the Ghana Armed Forces’ broader disaster-response responsibilities.
He said the Regiment would continue to work with relevant state institutions when required to support disaster management and ensure that areas affected by emergencies remained accessible and safe.
The AMA, meanwhile, has assured that steps will be taken to prevent the reoccupation of the cleared area and maintain the access routes for emergency response.
By 1960news.com
