16 Unsafe Buildings Marked for Demolition Across Greater Accra After Deadly Collapse

The interior minister says authorities will move swiftly to remove dangerous structures as concerns grow over building safety in the capital

ACCRA, Ghana — Ghana’s government has identified 16 structurally unsafe buildings across the Greater Accra Region for demolition following the collapse of a three-storey building at Avenor in Accra that left two people dead and several others injured.

Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak announced the decision during a visit to the scene of the collapse at Avenor in North Kaneshie, where emergency responders and government officials have been assessing the damage and coordinating relief efforts.

According to the minister, the buildings have been identified by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) as unsafe for habitation and pose a significant threat to public safety. Authorities have begun evacuating occupants ahead of planned demolition exercises.

“Currently, NADMO has identified about 16 buildings within the Greater Accra Region that have to come down,” Mr Muntaka said during the inspection. He added that government agencies would ensure the structures are demolished to prevent future tragedies.

The announcement comes amid renewed scrutiny of building safety standards in Ghana’s rapidly expanding urban centres. The Avenor collapse has once again highlighted concerns about ageing structures, poor maintenance, unauthorised modifications and weak enforcement of construction regulations.

Government officials say the demolition exercise forms part of a broader strategy to reduce preventable disasters and strengthen public safety. The Interior Minister stressed that while some emergencies may be unavoidable, authorities have a responsibility to act decisively when known risks are identified.

The collapse at Avenor is the latest in a series of incidents that have raised questions about compliance with building regulations and the effectiveness of monitoring systems designed to detect structural weaknesses before they become life-threatening.

Safety experts have long warned that densely populated urban areas face heightened risks when unsafe structures remain occupied despite visible signs of deterioration. The government’s latest intervention is therefore likely to be welcomed by residents concerned about the safety of homes, shops and commercial buildings across the capital.

Authorities have not yet released the locations of all 16 buildings earmarked for demolition, nor have they indicated when the exercise will be completed. However, officials say the process will begin after the necessary evacuations and safety assessments are concluded.

Why This Matters

The demolition programme signals a tougher government approach to building safety following a fatal collapse in Accra. If implemented effectively, it could prevent future loss of life and prompt stronger enforcement of construction and occupancy regulations across Ghana’s urban centres.

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