Accra Mayor Announces Free Housing Project for Kofikrom Fire Victims
The Accra Mayor, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has announced plans to construct a residential housing complex for residents of Kofikrom, a squatter settlement at Avenor in the North Industrial Area, following a fire outbreak that destroyed several makeshift structures in the community.
The proposed development, to be supported by corporate institutions, will replace the settlement’s predominantly wooden structures with permanent block buildings. The project is also expected to provide streetlights, walkways, improved sanitation facilities and tarred access roads to create a safer, cleaner and more organised living environment.
Mr Allotey announced the initiative during a visit to the community to inspect ongoing debris-clearing exercises following the recent fire, which affected homes and nearby industrial facilities, including parts of Duraplast.
Addressing residents, the Mayor said the proposed single-room accommodation would be provided free of charge and would neither be rented nor sold to beneficiaries. He emphasised that the land would remain government property.
Reflecting on his personal experiences growing up on the streets, Mr Allotey said his background had given him a better understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable people, particularly those living in deprived communities.
“We all we dey a street top. The reason why I’m not scared of the street. I’m coming from the street. And the street never forgets,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to improving the living conditions of affected residents.
He explained that the redevelopment would feature rows of single-storey buildings with individual rooms, while corporate partners would be engaged to support the provision of roofing materials, streetlights, walkways and other essential infrastructure.
The Mayor cautioned that beneficiaries would not acquire ownership rights over the facilities, warning that no individual or group would be allowed to sell, rent out or exercise unauthorised control over the accommodation.
He also warned that drug abuse, the sale of illicit substances and activities linked to gang leadership would not be tolerated in the redeveloped community. He said the initiative was intended to promote discipline, security and peaceful coexistence among residents.
As part of preparations for the project, Mr Allotey directed residents to elect five representatives to serve as liaisons between the community and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) throughout consultations and implementation.
On the project’s timeline, the Mayor expressed optimism that construction could be completed within a relatively short period, given that the proposed buildings would be simple, single-storey structures rather than complex multi-level developments.
By Esther Padmore Amonoo
