The Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) for Accra New Town, Mohammed Awal, has revealed that the municipal chief executive (MCE) had previously cautioned residents against occupying unsafe buildings before the recent collapse in the area.
The warning follows a tragic incident on Sunday, 29 March, when an uncompleted building within the premises of Accra New Town Experimental Basic School — also used by Christian worshippers — collapsed, killing three people and injuring several others.
Speaking to JoyNews on 30 March, Mr Awal explained that NADMO had not received any formal report concerning the structure before it collapsed. The organisation only became aware of the situation after the incident, despite indications that the MCE had advised residents to stay away from the building.
He noted that the building was incomplete, making it difficult to determine its structural condition beforehand. Assessing the stability of unfinished structures is challenging, particularly when construction has not been finalised or actively maintained.
Mr Awal emphasised that there had been no prior report to justify cordoning off the area before the collapse. He explained that NADMO’s interventions are guided by official reports, and in the absence of such documentation, proactive action is difficult.
In the wake of the incident, he stressed the need for intensified inspections across the municipality, especially for buildings of similar size and condition. Authorities must ensure that structures are sound, including verifying the strength of pillars and other critical components, to prevent future tragedies.
Addressing concerns about possible lapses by the assembly, Mr Awal rejected claims of failure, noting that the current administration has been in office for only a year and a half and has been working primarily with existing reports. Without prior documentation highlighting risks, he said, it would be unfair to conclude that the assembly neglected its responsibilities.
He further disclosed that the municipality has four dilapidated buildings — two at Mallam Atta and two at Alajo — some of which remain occupied. Attempts to secure these structures, such as cordoning them off, have sometimes been undermined by the removal of caution tapes. All four buildings are set to be demolished due to their unsafe condition.
The incident has intensified concerns about building safety and regulatory enforcement in Accra, prompting calls for stronger monitoring mechanisms and stricter compliance to avert further tragedies.
