Vice President, Her Excellency Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has visited the scene of the recent fire outbreak at Tudu in Accra, urging stricter enforcement of building and safety regulations to prevent future tragedies in densely populated commercial areas.
The visit followed the devastating fire incident near the Accra Regional Police Headquarters, which affected traders and damaged property.
The Vice President engaged affected traders, officials, and emergency response teams at the scene as part of efforts to assess the situation and reinforce government response measures.
She expressed concern over how buildings in busy commercial zones are utilized, stressing the need for authorities to verify whether structures are being occupied beyond their approved capacity.
According to her, such checks are critical to preventing similar disasters in the future.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang noted that while redevelopment of the affected site may be necessary, it must be guided by strict planning, structural, and safety standards, adding that taking time to ensure proper compliance would be worthwhile if it guarantees the protection of human lives.
She further underscored the importance of adhering to safety regulations, stating that buildings must be used strictly for their intended capacity and purpose.
She cautioned that ignoring such standards often leads to preventable emergencies that place lives and livelihoods at risk.
The Vice President called for a broader rethink of urban management and safety enforcement practices, stressing that accountability must be shared among authorities, traders, developers, and the general public to ensure lessons from the disaster are not ignored.
She commended the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), security agencies, fire service personnel, emergency responders, the media, and all stakeholders who supported response efforts during the incident.
The Minister for the Interior, Mr. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, also assured affected traders of government support, stating that relevant agencies were working under challenging circumstances to provide assistance and restore normalcy.
Authorities have since indicated that investigations and assessments are ongoing to guide future redevelopment and safety interventions at the site.
The Vice President was accompanied by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mrs. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo; Inspector General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohunu; Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong; Deputy Director-General of NADMO (Operations), Mr. Teddy Safori Addi; MP for Korle Klottey, Mad. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings; Mayor of Accra, Mr. Michael Kpakpo Allotey; and the Municipal Chief Executive for Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, Mr. Alfred Allotey Gaisie.
Faustina Naa Ayele Johnson -ISD
