You have 24 hours to vacate – AMA Mayor warns squatters after Avenor fire outbreak

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has issued a stern warning to squatters following the recent fire outbreak in the Avenor Industrial Area. Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey announced that the evacuated victims will not be granted permission to return to the affected site for resettlement. Despite serving notices, some occupants persisted in staying despite the directive.

Speaking to Adom News, the Mayor emphasized that the area is unsafe for re-entry and directed occupants to vacate within 24 hours. He stated, “We have already given them notice to vacate this place, but they are still here. After this fire, we are not going to allow anybody to come back and resettle here. They have 24 hours to vacate the area.”

Allotey attributed the risks associated with the area to the actions of unauthorized occupants. He stressed that the Assembly will not permit any person to return to the site following the evacuation. Additionally, the Mayor received reports of one fatality in the fire but was still gathering information to confirm the circumstances.

He urged journalists to refrain from providing platforms to illegal occupants to voice their demands for resettlement. "It is time journalists stopped giving opportunities to people who occupy illegal places to come and lament," the Mayor stated, emphasizing the need to address the issue properly and prevent further illegal occupation of uninhabitable areas.