How 70-year-old building was finally demolished over fear of collapse in Osu
A 70-year-old dilapidated building at Osu has been demolished after authorities raised concerns that it was on the verge of collapse.
The structure had been earmarked for demolition since 2015, and the exercise was carried out following several engagements between the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, the police, and occupants to ensure a safe evacuation and demolition process.
Before the demolition, the building housed nine occupants, including three shops, all of whom had been formally directed to vacate the premises.
The action comes in the wake of a recent building collapse at Avenor, which claimed one life and left others injured.
The demolition was conducted peacefully, with no resistance from residents or occupants in the area.
At the scene, the area had been cordoned off, with firefighters and security personnel deployed to maintain safety and order as heavy machinery, including bulldozers and backhoe loaders, brought down the structure. Scrap dealers were also seen sorting through debris in search of iron rods and other reusable materials.
Speaking to the media, the Municipal Chief Executive of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, Alfred Allotey-Gaisie, said occupants had repeatedly been warned to vacate the building due to the danger it posed.
He explained that the occupants were evacuated ahead of the exercise to allow for a safe demolition process.
According to him, the operation was briefly delayed as the Electricity Company of Ghana disconnected power supply, while telecommunication providers secured fibre optic cables in the area.
He added that no casualties were recorded and nearby buildings were also evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Mr Allotey-Gaisie noted that the building, believed to be over 70 years old, had deteriorated significantly over time and was no longer safe for habitation. He further stated that the assembly’s permitting and inspection systems are intended to prevent such risks and ensure proper oversight of construction activities.
He indicated that any future development on the site would be required to meet current building standards.
One of the property owners, Walter Martey Hammond, said the family had already planned to demolish the structure due to its age and condition before the assembly’s intervention.
He explained that although the family did not initiate the demolition, the building had earlier been marked by authorities and identified as unsafe.
He added that years of neglect had left the structure in a severely weakened state, with parts already beginning to fall off before the exercise.
According to him, the building had both residential and commercial occupants, with at least 10 people using the premises, mostly on the ground floor.