By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in the Greater Accra Region has commenced a demolition exercise at Dodowa Technical Institute, targeting an abandoned classroom block declared structurally unsafe after years of deterioration.
The exercise forms part of a broader disaster risk reduction campaign being rolled out across the region in response to growing concerns over ageing infrastructure and the increasing threat of building collapse in schools and public institutions.
The affected structure, located on the campus of Dodowa Technical Institute, is reported to have remained unused for more than three decades. Despite its deteriorated condition, portions of the building had remained accessible and were occasionally used by students, raising serious safety concerns.
Following a technical assessment by engineers and disaster management officials, the building was declared unsafe due to severe structural defects, including exposed reinforcement bars, weakened concrete, and extensive weather damage. Officials concluded that the structure had lost its integrity and posed a high risk of collapse.
Speaking during the exercise, Greater Accra Regional Director of NADMO, Dennis Nartey Adjarnor, said the demolition decision was based on engineering assessments and scientific evaluation rather than visual inspection alone. He explained that NADMO works closely with technical experts to conduct structural integrity tests before any structure is classified as hazardous.
Mr Adjarnor further revealed that more than 18 similar unsafe structures across the Greater Accra Region have been identified for demolition after failing safety assessments. He noted that the exercise will be carried out in phases across various districts to prevent avoidable disasters.
He stressed that the operation is primarily aimed at protecting lives, especially in schools where students could unknowingly be exposed to dangerous buildings.
Mr Adjarnor added that community engagement and sensitisation remain key parts of the exercise to ensure proper evacuation and public safety before demolition begins.
He also urged residents and stakeholders to report abandoned or visibly unsafe buildings to the relevant authorities for prompt inspection and action, stressing that prevention remains the most effective tool against disaster-related fatalities.
