AMA announces plans to build a residential housing complex for residents of Kofikrom

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has announced plans to build a residential housing complex comprising single-room accommodation for residents of Kofikrom, a squatter settlement at Avenor in the North Industrial Area, following a fire outbreak that destroyed several makeshift structures in the community.

The proposed project, to be undertaken with support from corporate institutions, is expected to replace the settlement's predominantly wooden structures with permanent block buildings, complemented by streetlights, walkways, improved sanitation facilities and tarred access roads, to transform the area into a safer, cleaner and more organised residential community.

The Mayor disclosed the initiative when he visited the community to inspect the ongoing collection of debris following the recent fire outbreak, which affected the settlement and adjoining industrial facilities, including parts of the Duraplast.

Addressing residents at the site, he said that the proposed accommodation would be provided free of charge and would neither be rented nor sold to beneficiaries, stressing that the land remained government property.

Drawing on his personal experiences growing up on the streets, Hon. Allotey said his background had given him a deeper appreciation of the difficulties confronting vulnerable people, particularly those living in deprived communities.

"We all we dey a street top. The reason why I'm not scared of the street. I'm coming from the street. And the street never forgets," he declared, reiterating his commitment to improving the living conditions of the affected residents.

He explained that the proposed redevelopment would involve the construction of rows of single-storey buildings containing individual rooms, while corporate partners would be engaged to support the provision of roofing materials, street lighting, walkways and other essential infrastructure.

The Mayor, cautioned that the initiative would not confer ownership rights on beneficiaries, emphasising that no individual or group would be permitted to sell, rent out, or exercise unauthorised control over the facilities.

He warned that drug abuse, the sale of illicit substances and activities associated with gang leadership would not be tolerated in the redeveloped community, stressing that the project was intended to promote discipline, security and peaceful coexistence.

As part of preparations for the project, Hon. Allotey directed residents to select five representatives to serve as a liaison between the community and the Assembly during consultations and implementation.

On the construction timeline, the Mayor was optimistic that the project could be executed within a relatively short period because the proposed buildings would be simple, single-storey structures rather than complex multi-level developments.