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The Sekondi–Takoradi Metropolitan Office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has flagged 88 structures within the metropolis as unsafe and potentially liable for demolition. Assessments indicate that these buildings pose significant structural and public safety risks.
A comprehensive structural integrity and risk assessment conducted by the Metropolitan NADMO office revealed extensive defects in several residential, commercial, and institutional properties. Observed issues include structural cracks, exposed reinforcement bars, deteriorated roofing, damaged openings, and weakened building components. Some of the affected structures are abandoned, while others remain occupied by caretakers, squatters, or owners despite visible safety hazards.
Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan NADMO Director, Alhaji Abubakar Kamal, said notices have been served to property owners in line with the Assembly’s enforcement responsibilities under the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) and the National Disaster Management Organisation Act, 2016 (Act 927).
“Identifying these owners has been a challenge, but those we have located have received notices,” he explained. Alhaji Kamal added that while some structures require technical assessments to confirm their condition, others are clearly hazardous and pose immediate danger.
He emphasized that remedial actions will depend on the severity of deterioration. “For some buildings, demolition is necessary. Others can be renovated, and we are asking the owners to carry out the necessary repairs,” he said.
Alhaji Kamal highlighted that under Sections 12 and 181 of the Local Governance Act, Metropolitan Assemblies are empowered to control physical development and ensure public safety, while NADMO is mandated to coordinate disaster prevention and risk reduction measures.
Property owners who fail to undertake the required remedial works within the stipulated period risk enforcement action by the Assembly. “The Mayor has instructed us to issue one-month notices to owners. If they fail to comply, the Assembly will intervene, and the cost of demolition will be charged to the owners,” Alhaji Kamal warned.
He urged all property owners in the metropolis to ensure their buildings are safe to prevent accidents and avoid bearing the cost of enforcement interventions.
Story by Efua Nessa
Source: Loco tv