Avenor fire: AMA demolishes structures at Kofikrom

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly, backed by the Ghana Armed Forces' 48 Engineer Regiment, demolished unauthorized structures in Kofikrom, North Industrial Area, to improve emergency vehicle access following a major fire. The demolition, conducted on October 1, 2026, targeted wooden structures, makeshift shelters, and other temporary constructions that obstructed road access, hindering the reach of fire tenders, water tankers, and other emergency vehicles.

The fire, which ravaged the Kofikrom settlement and Duraplast, highlighted the challenges posed by these structures, as emergency responders struggled to access certain areas. However, AMA officials emphasized that the demolition was not solely an emergency response but a proactive measure to enforce directives and prevent future encroachments.

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, stated that occupants had been previously warned to vacate the area by May 19, 2026, but several remained. The fire underscored the risks of unauthorized structures obstructing access routes in industrial zones, where swift emergency responses are crucial. AMA assured that further measures would be implemented to prevent squatters from reoccupying the cleared areas, ensuring roads and access routes remained open for public safety and efficient emergency response.