KoKMA demolishes dilapidated building in Osu to avert disaster

The Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) has carried out a controlled demolition of a severely dilapidated multi-storey structure in the heart of Osu to avert an impending structural disaster.

The emergency operation was supervised by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Nii Adjei Tawiah, alongside technical teams from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the KoKMA Works Department.

The multi-storey structure, which had been abandoned for years, showed deep structural fractures, visible concrete spalling and severely corroded iron rods.

KoKMA municipal engineers declared the building a public safety hazard after it failed basic structural integrity assessments.

Excavators were seen at the site on Monday, June 8, 2026, carrying out demolition works on the structure, which had been left in a weakened and unstable condition following structural failure that affected part of the building.

The building, originally constructed as a seven-storey structure, reportedly lost three floors after they gave way, leaving the remaining four storeys standing but structurally compromised.

The ongoing demolition is aimed at eliminating safety risks to nearby residents, motorists and surrounding properties, especially as concerns grow over the stability of ageing and weakened buildings in the capital.

The exercise comes amid heightened concerns about building safety following the collapse of a three-storey structure at Adenta New Site that claimed one life and injured five people on June 3, 2026, and another three-storey building at Avenor in North Kaneshie on Sunday, June 7, 2026, an incident which claimed two lives and left others injured.

“We cannot fold our arms and wait for a disaster to happen before we react. The safety of our residents and traders in this busy enclave is our ultimate priority.

This demolition intervention was necessary to save lives,” Nii Adjei Tawiah said during the operation.

The demolition forms part of an intensified campaign by the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly to identify and clear structurally compromised buildings across Accra.

The assembly has issued several warnings to property owners who neglect structural maintenance or abandon weak structures in high-density commercial zones.

NADMO officials successfully cordoned off adjacent streets in Osu to ensure zero casualties and minimal disruption to local businesses during the exercise.

The assembly has urged the public to report cracked or compromised buildings to authorities immediately. For property guidelines, building permits, or to report structural defects, citizens can contact the official KoKMA Contact Portal.