The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has begun constructing permanent block housing for victims of the devastating Kofikrom fire, with work progressing on more than 100 single-room units following the demolition of their makeshift shelters.

The project, located at Kofikrom in Avenor, is being carried out around the clock as the Assembly seeks to replace the wooden structures destroyed by the fire with more durable accommodation and reduce the risk of future disasters.

As of Monday, October 26, 2026, at least 10 rooms had reached lintel level, while more than 100 others had progressed to the second course of blockwork, according to the project update.

Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey inspected the ongoing construction during a working visit to the site and expressed the Assembly's determination to complete the first phase within one week.

During the visit, he assessed the pace of work, interacted with construction workers and urged the affected residents to organise themselves and participate actively in the project to ensure its timely completion.

Workers were seen laying concrete blocks for the proposed single-room units, with buildings at different stages of construction.

The Mayor said the redevelopment was intended to provide safer and more durable accommodation while addressing the dangers associated with the widespread use of makeshift wooden structures in the settlement.

He explained that the decision to maintain round-the-clock construction was aimed at accelerating the project and reducing delays in providing permanent housing for the displaced residents.

Beyond the housing units, the AMA has announced plans to provide free electricity, borehole water and streetlights as part of efforts to improve safety, security and living conditions in the community.

The redevelopment follows a devastating fire at Kofikrom in Accra's North Industrial Area that destroyed numerous wooden structures, displaced residents and claimed the lives of a mother and her daughter.

The blaze also affected parts of adjoining industrial facilities, including Duraplast, raising concerns about the safety of residents living close to industrial installations.

Following the disaster, the Assembly cleared burnt structures, debris and other obstructions from the area to prepare the site for redevelopment.

The ongoing construction marks a shift from the temporary shelters previously occupied by residents towards more permanent block structures. However, the immediate priority remains the completion of the first phase and the provision of safer accommodation for those affected by the fire.

The Mayor was accompanied on the inspection by Metropolitan Coordinating Director Douglas N. K. Annorful and Metropolitan Finance Director Abeiku Amissah.

EA