The Greater Accra Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Dennis Nortey Adjannor, has announced plans to demolish several structurally compromised buildings across the region to avert possible disasters, particularly during the ongoing rainy season.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme with Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Mr. Adjannor disclosed that NADMO has identified about 16 buildings that have become dangerously weak and pose a serious threat to lives and property. According to him, six of the affected structures are located in Tema, with the Kaisel Flats identified as the immediate priority for demolition.
He explained that the Kaisel Flats, a property owned by the Tema Development Corporation (TDC), have been in existence for approximately 57 years and have developed significant structural defects, including visible cracks in several sections of the buildings. Technical assessments conducted by TDC and relevant authorities have confirmed that the structures have deteriorated to a point where continued occupation poses a serious safety risk.
Mr. Adjannor stated that authorities have taken a measured approach to the exercise, spending several months engaging residents and educating them on the dangers associated with remaining in the buildings. He revealed that consultations with occupants began in January this year, during which alternative accommodation arrangements were made.
According to him, TDC has secured housing units in Community 26 for affected residents, while some occupants have also received compensation packages to support their relocation.
Despite these interventions, he said some residents continue to resist relocation, arguing that the alternative accommodation is too far from their current homes and sources of livelihood. However, Mr. Adjannor stressed that public safety must take precedence.
“We have given the occupants enough notice and engaged them extensively. We have even granted them an additional one month to move out. After that period, we cannot continue to delay because the risk remains high. Our responsibility is to protect lives and property,” he stated.
Mr. Adjannor further disclosed that although about 20 buildings across Greater Accra have been earmarked for demolition, authorities are currently focusing on 10 structures considered to be in the most critical condition.
He noted that similar demolition exercises have already been undertaken in areas such as Osu, Kaneshie and Weija following extensive consultations with property owners and affected families.
The NADMO Director warned that failure to act could lead to tragic consequences, particularly as heavy rains continue to affect parts of the region. He explained that weakened structures become increasingly vulnerable during periods of intense rainfall, making prompt intervention necessary to prevent potential loss of life.
Mr. Adjannor also expressed concern about other hazardous situations uncovered during recent inspections. He cited a case in which an individual had occupied a facility housing an Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) transformer, describing the situation as extremely dangerous.
He emphasized that such practices pose significant risks not only to the occupants but also to surrounding communities.
Reiterating the purpose of the exercise, Mr. Adjannor said the demolitions are intended to prevent avoidable disasters rather than punish residents or deprive them of shelter. He urged affected occupants to cooperate with authorities and take advantage of the relocation and support measures that have been put in place.
He concluded by calling on Ghanaians to prioritize safety and support efforts aimed at preventing disasters, stressing that while property can be replaced, human lives cannot. He also advised the public to avoid constructing buildings in unsafe locations and to report structures showing signs of deterioration before they become a threat to communities.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah