The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), with support from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, has demolished unauthorised structures at Kofikrom in the North Industrial Area to create access routes for emergency vehicles.
The demolition exercise, carried out on Thursday, October 1, 2026, followed a directive issued by the Assembly on May 19 for occupants to vacate the area.
The operation intensified after a major fire swept through the settlement and affected parts of Duraplast, exposing the difficulties faced by emergency responders in accessing the affected area.
The structures, mainly wooden and other temporary buildings, had encroached on portions of the road, leaving limited space for fire tenders, water tankers and other emergency vehicles to operate.
Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, said the demolition was not a reaction solely to the recent fire outbreak, noting that occupants had been given prior notice to leave.
According to him, the structures had also been marked ahead of the exercise, but several occupants remained despite the warnings.
He said the fire incident demonstrated the dangers posed by unauthorised settlements that obstruct access routes, particularly in industrial areas where emergency response could be critical.
The Mayor said the Assembly would clear the entire stretch and take steps to prevent occupants from returning.
The Commanding Officer of the 48 Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Osei Amponsah, said the military was supporting the operation as part of its disaster-response responsibilities.
