The Municipal Chief Executive for La Nkwantanang–Madina, Ibrahim Fuseini Faila, says authorities will arrest the owner of the building that collapsed in Adenta for allegedly ignoring a stop-work order issued by the Assembly.
Speaking to journalists, the MCE explained that the Assembly had approved only a single-storey structure for the site.
However, the owner allegedly continued construction and attempted to add another floor despite being ordered to stop.
“I called the engineer and he confirmed that the owner had already been stopped from constructing beyond the approved single-storey building. The question is, on what grounds was he proceeding to add another floor?” he said.
According to Mr Faila, the owner failed to comply with the Assembly’s directive and continued with the project through other means.
“He refused to listen. Somehow, he found his own means to continue with the project. We are now looking for him and he will be arrested. We will not spare him. The law must bite,” he stated.
The MCE disclosed that the Assembly first warned the developer about a year ago and directed him to stop work on the project.
He said the owner allegedly ignored the instruction and continued building.
Mr Faila noted that heavy rains and flooding may have contributed to incidents in some parts of Tema and other low-lying communities.
However, he stressed that the Adenta building collapse could have been prevented if the developer had followed planning regulations and proper construction procedures.
He also announced that the Assembly would charge the owner for all expenses related to clearing the debris from the collapsed structure.
“It is the owner’s negligence that has caused this situation. We will ensure he bears the cost of clearing the debris and any other expenses incurred by the Assembly,” he added.
The MCE further revealed that the Assembly has the owner’s contact information and is working closely with the police to secure his arrest and prosecution.
He stressed that authorities will pursue the matter and ensure that anyone found responsible faces the full force of the law.
