The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly has launched a city-wide demolition campaign aimed at removing structurally unsafe and deteriorating buildings, following the collapse of a storey building that tragically claimed two lives.
The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, June 21, at a location known as London Bridge, after heavy rains caused the aging structure to collapse.
Speaking on the matter, Metropolitan Chief Executive George Justice Arthur revealed that the Assembly has identified multiple buildings across the city deemed to be high-risk and is taking urgent measures to prevent further casualties.
“Cape Coast is a historic city, and many of the buildings here date back to the early 1900s or even the 1800s,” Mr. Arthur said, stressing that the integrity of these aging structures has severely weakened over time, posing a danger to residents.
He noted that the Assembly has already engaged with many of the affected property owners and reached an agreement with some, allowing the demolition of certain buildings to proceed.
“We’ve spoken to the owners and emphasized the seriousness of the situation. That’s why we’ve been able to begin demolishing a number of these structures,” he added.
Mr. Arthur also mentioned that discussions are ongoing with other owners to gain their cooperation as the exercise continues across the metropolis.
He reassured the public of the Assembly’s commitment to public safety and urban order.
“Our ultimate goal is to ensure safety and bring sanity back to the city,” he concluded.
