Accra Mayor, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to squatters at Avenor to vacate the area following a devastating fire outbreak that reportedly claimed one life. The fire occurred on October 1, 2026, at Kofikrom, a residential and industrial area in the North Industrial Area of Accra. According to the Mayor, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) had previously served notice to the occupants to leave the area, but they had remained.
The fire outbreak has sparked concerns about the safety of residents in the area, with eyewitnesses recounting harrowing experiences. Neighbours who spoke to Onua TV's Afia Tagor said some residents managed to escape by scaling walls, while others were trapped inside. An eyewitness described the scene, stating that residents were screaming for help, but it was too late for some.
Mayor Allotey stated that the full circumstances surrounding the reported death were still being established. He added that the AMA would not allow anybody to resettle in the area after the fire. The Mayor also called on journalists to be cautious about providing platforms for people occupying unauthorised settlements to complain after incidents occur.
The Ghana National Fire Service is yet to confirm any casualties, and firefighting efforts continued at the scene. The cause of the fire is also yet to be established. Meanwhile, some residents are still feared dead, with an eyewitness estimating that about seven people, including a child, were trapped inside a building.
According to eyewitnesses, the affected enclave, Kofikrom, is a densely populated area that houses both residents and industrial activities. The area is located in the North Industrial Area of Accra. The fire has raised concerns about the safety and regulatory compliance of such informal settlements.
Mayor Allotey's decision to order the squatters to vacate the area within 24 hours has been seen as a move to prevent further risk to residents. The AMA's efforts to clear the area have been ongoing, with previous notices served to occupants. However, the squatters had refused to leave, leading to the current situation.
The incident has sparked a renewed debate about the need for effective urban planning and regulation of informal settlements in Accra. As the city continues to grow, concerns about safety, infrastructure, and services for residents are becoming increasingly pressing. The government and local authorities face the challenge of balancing the need for housing with the need to ensure public safety.
Key points
- Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey gives squatters 24 hours to vacate Avenor area after fire outbreak.
- Fire outbreak at Kofikrom, Avenor, reportedly claims one life.
- AMA had previously served notice to occupants, but they had remained in the area.
