Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has visited the scene of the recent fire outbreak at Tudu, near the Accra Regional Police Headquarters, and issued a strong call for the rigorous enforcement of building and safety regulations to avert future tragedies.
Addressing affected traders and officials during the visit, the Vice President described the incident as a “wake-up call” to reassess the use of buildings and commercial spaces in densely populated areas.
She stressed the need to determine how many people were occupying the affected building at the time of the fire, compared to its original design capacity, information she described as critical to preventing a recurrence.
While acknowledging that the available space might justify the construction of a taller building on the site, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang cautioned that any redevelopment plan must be thoroughly reviewed to ensure full compliance with safety, planning, and structural requirements.
“If it takes time to get the redevelopment right, then we must take that time,” she said. “Protecting human lives is worth every effort. Rules may sometimes seem inconvenient, but freedom should not come at the expense of human lives.”
She emphasised that a building designed for ten people must not be used for more, warning that safety regulations must be enforced to prevent endangering lives.
“It is far better for authorities and the public to comply with safety regulations than to be forced into preventable emergency rescue situations,” she added.
The Vice President called for a fundamental rethink of how certain activities are conducted in urban spaces, urging more effective and sustainable approaches to public safety and disaster prevention.
She stressed that accountability requires a collective effort from authorities, traders, building owners, and the public to ensure the lessons from the fire are not ignored.
She commended the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the security services, emergency response agencies, the media, and all individuals and institutions that contributed to the response efforts.
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who was also present, assured that the government and relevant agencies were doing their utmost under the circumstances and would continue to provide necessary assistance.
Authorities have since pledged ongoing support to affected traders, as investigations and assessments continue to guide future decisions regarding the site.
The Vice President was accompanied by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo; the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohunu; Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong; Deputy Director General of NADMO (Operations), Teddy Safori Addi; Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings; Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey; and the Municipal Chief Executive for Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, Alfred Allotey Gaisie.
