The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), supported by the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, removed unauthorized structures at Kofikrom in the North Industrial Area on Thursday, October 1, 2026, after occupants failed to comply with a May 19 deadline to vacate.
The exercise—which intensified following a major fire that swept through the settlement and damaged parts of the neighboring Duraplast facility—targeted wooden and temporary structures that had encroached on the road and obstructed access for fire tenders and emergency vehicles.
The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, who ordered the clearance, stated that the move was not a spontaneous reaction to the blaze. He explained that squatters had received prior notice and a final deadline of May 19, 2026, to leave the area.
He disclosed that structures within the settlement had also been marked to signal the impending exercise, yet many occupants chose to remain despite repeated warnings from the Assembly.
According to the Mayor, the consequences of this illegal occupation became clear during the fire outbreak. Fire tenders, water tankers, and emergency response teams struggled to reach the flames because makeshift structures blocked public thoroughfares.
He stressed that the Assembly is committed to clearing the entire stretch and preventing reoccupation, noting that access roads within industrial zones must remain open at all times for public safety and emergency readiness.
Acknowledging that such enforcement actions often face public backlash, the Mayor noted that the recent fire highlighted the severe risks of allowing unauthorized settlements to block emergency routes. He added that the exercise aims not only to remove illegal structures but also to protect lives, local businesses, and adjoining properties from future disasters.
The Commanding Officer of the 48 Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Osei Amponsah, confirmed that military personnel were deployed to clear structures hindering emergency vehicles. He emphasized that these temporary setups had proven to be a major obstacle during the initial firefighting response and had to be cleared to allow adequate room for rescue operations.
Lt. Col. Amponsah added that the military’s involvement aligns with its broader disaster-response mandate, and that troops will continue supporting state agencies to keep the area accessible and secure.
In response, Mayor Allotey reassured the public that the Assembly will maintain a presence and institute measures to ensure squatters do not return.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana