Construction of permanent block housing at Kofikrom put on hold

Plans to build permanent block housing for the Kofikrom-Avenor squatters, following a recent fire incident, have been temporarily halted, according to the area's Assemblyman, Papa Nii. Speaking on Adom FM's Dwaso Nsem, Papa Nii revealed the decision was made to facilitate further discussions before a final choice is made. He mentioned that stakeholders will evaluate if the proposed housing project should continue or be substituted with a more fitting and properly designed alternative.

"Presently, we have suspended the project pending additional consultations and crucial engagements," Papa Nii stated. He elaborated that the settlement, which has existed for approximately 25 years, is situated behind the Duraplast warehouse, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and Ash Foam. Its remote location, reachable primarily via a path, has posed access challenges, especially as squatters have increasingly occupied the area.

Papa Nii also pointed out poor sanitation as a significant issue, stating that nearby businesses have frequently complained about the conditions in the settlement. He noted that the Assembly has attempted to relocate the inhabitants several times, starting from Accra Mayor Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije's era, but these efforts have not achieved the desired outcome.

He attributed this to a lack of political commitment to resolve the longstanding problem. Following the fire, a decision was made to construct smaller housing units for the affected residents, after structures at the site were slated for demolition.