A storey building at Pariscoa, a suburb of Sekondi in the Western Region, is set to be demolished completely after a mudslide triggered by prolonged heavy rainfall caused part of the structure to collapse, raising fresh concerns about building safety in the area.
Officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) say the incident could have resulted in a major tragedy but for the timely evacuation of occupants who noticed structural defects days before the collapse.
Madam Emma Akosua Adu Boafo, Head of Policy Planning, Monitoring and Research at NADMO’s Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan office, said residents observed visible cracks developing in sections of the building during heavy rains on Friday and promptly moved out.
The structure eventually gave way on Sunday following continuous downpours and a mudslide, although no injuries or fatalities were recorded.
In response, NADMO is working with the Ghana National Fire Service and other stakeholders to demolish the remaining portions of the building to prevent further danger to residents and neighbouring properties.
Authorities have also announced plans to conduct structural integrity assessments on buildings within the affected enclave to identify potential risks and avert future disasters.
Madam Boafo attributed such incidents partly to poor building practices and urged developers and property owners to secure the necessary approvals before embarking on construction projects.
She warned that factors such as unstable soil conditions, vibrations, noise and prolonged rainfall could significantly weaken structures if proper engineering standards are not followed.
The collapse has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of building regulations and proactive monitoring of vulnerable structures, especially as the rainy season intensifies across parts of the country.
