Local Government Minister Visits Collapsed Building

Mr Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has appealed to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to enforce by-laws that regulate building permits. He said despite the existence of by-laws on building permits acquisition enacted by the various MMDAs, little was being done to enforce those laws resulting to the loss of lives and properties. Mr Oppong-Fosu, who was speaking to the media after inspecting the site of the collapsed building at Nii Boi Town in Accra, directed the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to take action against the management of the hotel who was given early signals by city authorities and warned on two occasions about the strength of the building. He raised concern about the low quality of building materials used by contractors in building mansions and hotels in the country. The six storey-building which was under construction collapsed at around 0430 hours morning. He said there was the need for Ghanaians to appreciate and respect the work of city authorities and the law enforcement agencies who are there to protect lives and properties. Mr Oppong-Fosu expressed his appreciation with works being undertaken by the security agencies and other corporate agencies such as JA Plant Pool and Nana Yaw Construction in providing heavy equipment to assist in the rescue operation. Chief Superintendent of Police Lydia Donkor, Commander of the Tesano District Police Command, said although there was no indication there could be more than two people under the building, the security agencies would continue to work until they get to the last floor.