The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has commenced round-the-clock construction of single-room housing units at Kofikrom in Avenor, Accra, as part of efforts to provide safer and more durable accommodation for residents displaced by a devastating fire outbreak.
The housing project is progressing, with 10 rooms reaching lintel level and more than 100 other units advancing to the second course of blockwork.
The initiative seeks to replace the makeshift wooden structures previously occupied by squatters with permanent block buildings, improve living conditions and reduce the risk of future fire disasters in the settlement.
Accra Mayor Inspects Kofikrom Housing Project
The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, inspected the construction site on Monday, October 26, 2026, to assess progress and encourage workers to maintain the pace of construction.
During the visit, the mayor interacted with construction workers and urged affected residents to organise themselves and participate actively in the project to ensure its timely completion.
He indicated that the first phase of the housing development was expected to be completed within one week.
Construction workers at the site were seen laying concrete blocks to form the walls of the proposed single-room accommodation, with several buildings at different stages of development.
While 10 rooms had reached lintel level, many others remained in the early stages of blockwork as construction continued around the clock.
AMA Plans Safer Housing for Kofikrom Fire Victims
Mayor Allotey reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to providing permanent and safer accommodation for residents affected by the fire outbreak.
He explained that the redevelopment project was designed to address the dangers associated with makeshift wooden structures, which can increase the risk of rapidly spreading fires in densely populated settlements.
According to the mayor, the decision to undertake construction work 24 hours a day is intended to speed up the delivery of the housing units and reduce delays in resettling affected residents.
The Assembly also aims to transform the area into a more organised residential community with improved infrastructure and access to essential services.
Free Electricity, Borehole Water and Streetlights Planned
As part of the redevelopment plans, the AMA has announced arrangements to provide electricity, borehole water and streetlights free of charge to improve residents’ safety, security and comfort.
The proposed facilities are expected to support better living conditions and create a safer environment for households moving into the new accommodation.
Access to reliable electricity, water supply and street lighting could also help address some of the infrastructure challenges facing residents in the settlement.
Deadly Kofikrom Fire Triggers Redevelopment
The housing project follows a devastating fire at Kofikrom in Accra’s North Industrial Area that destroyed numerous makeshift wooden structures, displaced residents and claimed two lives — a mother and her daughter.
The blaze also affected parts of nearby industrial facilities, including Duraplast, raising concerns about fire safety and residential settlements located close to industrial installations.
Following the incident, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly carried out clearance exercises to remove burnt structures, debris and other obstructions from the affected area.
The exercise was intended to restore access to the site and prepare the settlement for reconstruction and redevelopment.
The new housing project represents a step towards addressing the immediate accommodation needs of affected residents while improving the safety of the area.
AMA Intensifies Efforts to Improve Living Conditions in Accra
The Kofikrom housing initiative forms part of the AMA’s efforts to improve urban living conditions and address safety concerns associated with informal settlements.
Replacing combustible wooden structures with permanent block buildings could help reduce fire risks, although effective fire prevention will also depend on safe electrical installations, adequate access routes and appropriate emergency response arrangements.
The provision of basic utilities and improved infrastructure is expected to complement the construction of the new housing units.
Mayor Allotey was accompanied during the inspection by the Metropolitan Coordinating Director, Douglas N. K. Annorful, and the Metropolitan Finance Director, Abeiku Amissah.
The Assembly is continuing work on the project, with the first phase expected to provide more secure accommodation for residents affected by the Kofikrom fire disaster.
Source: newsthemegh.com