The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) is moving to demolish 50 dilapidated buildings in the Cape Coast Metropolis following a surge in rain-related disasters that have claimed 18 lives and displaced hundreds of residents across the Central Region.
The planned demolition forms part of efforts to reduce disaster risks as authorities battle the impact of heavy rainfall, which has triggered building collapses, flooding, landslides and drowning incidents in several communities.
Speaking at a press conference, Central Regional Director of NADMO, Emmanuel Kwasi Dawood, revealed that many of the affected structures are over a century old and have deteriorated significantly, with visible cracks and damaged roofs posing serious threats to occupants.
According to him, residents occupying the identified buildings have been given a two-week deadline to vacate the premises ahead of the demolition exercise.
“Failure to comply with this order will leave us with no option but to demolish the structures and recover the cost of demolition from the owners,” he warned.
The move comes after a week of severe weather incidents across 13 districts in the region, resulting in 58 recorded disasters.
Cape Coast emerged as the hardest-hit area, recording five building collapses and three fatalities. Other districts also reported casualties, including drowning incidents in Upper Denkyira East, Upper Denkyira West, Gomoa Central, Mfantseman, Twifo Atti-Morkwa and Agona West.
Mr Dawood attributed the rising number of disasters not only to heavy rainfall but also to environmental degradation and poor planning practices.
He cited the construction of buildings in waterways, clogged drainage systems, unsafe excavations and the continued occupation of weakened structures as factors worsening the situation.
The NADMO Director urged residents to take disaster warnings seriously and avoid actions that increase vulnerability to flooding and other hazards.
He also called for stronger collaboration among Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, traditional authorities, security agencies and development partners to improve disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts.
With the rainy season intensifying, NADMO says the demolition exercise is a necessary preventive measure aimed at protecting lives and preventing further tragedies across the region.
