The La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly is moving to remove an abandoned building at the old Madina Zonal Council within the Madina Market after structural assessments raised serious concerns about the safety of traders, shoppers and other people who use the busy commercial area.
The planned demolition follows engineering tests that reportedly found weakened sections of the unfinished two storey structure, with readings dropping as low as 11 Newtons per square millimetre in some areas. Editorial Standards
Municipal authorities have warned that leaving the building in its current condition could expose people nearby to the risk of a potentially fatal collapse.
According to reports, the Assembly’s Municipal Engineer, Engineer Mohammed Danjumah Ahmed, said structural integrity tests conducted with support from external engineers recorded readings of about 20 N/mm² in some sections and as low as 11 N/mm² in others.
He stressed that the Assembly had a responsibility to protect lives and property and could not ignore the potential danger.
The building has remained incomplete for years, with visible signs of deterioration including damaged walls and exposed reinforcement bars.
Despite its condition, trading activities have continued around the structure, with some traders reportedly using sections of the unfinished building to store goods while others sell merchandise nearby.
The Assembly’s decision to pursue demolition is intended to address the immediate safety concerns and pave the way for redevelopment.
However, the latest reports available do not independently confirm that the demolition has been completed.
Structural concerns prompt urgent action
Construction of the two-storey building reportedly began in the early 2000s, with the original plan to provide trading space for approximately 200 people.
The project was never completed, leaving the structure exposed to deterioration over an extended period.
The engineering findings have renewed concerns about the risks facing people who work or shop in the surrounding market. Editorial Ethics & Independence
In a busy trading environment, a structural failure could affect not only people inside or directly beneath the building but also passers-by and traders operating nearby.
Engineer Ahmed warned that delaying action could result in a major disaster and potentially expose the Assembly to accusations of negligence.
His comments underline the responsibility of local authorities to identify unsafe public structures and take appropriate action before a collapse occurs.
Structural assessments are particularly important where buildings have remained unfinished for years, as weather exposure, corrosion and deterioration can weaken construction materials.
However, the specific condition of each section must be determined through professional evaluation rather than visual appearance alone.
The proposed removal of the building is therefore being presented as a preventive safety measure rather than a response to a reported collapse at the site.
Traders face uncertainty over relocation
While the safety concerns have strengthened calls for intervention, the planned demolition has also raised questions about the livelihoods of traders who depend on the Madina Market for their daily income.
Some traders have reportedly continued operating around the building despite acknowledging the potential danger.
Others have explained that relocating their businesses could mean losing access to established customers and disrupting their sources of income. Corrections Policy
In a separate report said traders were worried about the planned demolition and its possible effects on livelihoods.
The report indicated that the arrival of security personnel and bulldozers earlier that week had heightened anxiety, although demolition was not carried out at that time.
Traders’ representatives reportedly sought further discussions with the Municipal Chief Executive and raised concerns about the timing of the exercise and the need to protect affected businesses.
The report also said the traders were challenging the planned action, making it important for the Assembly to communicate clearly about any legal or administrative developments.
The Assembly, for its part, has said it has provided an alternative trading area near the existing market to allow affected traders to continue operating while plans for demolition and redevelopment proceed.
The effectiveness of that arrangement will be important in determining whether traders can maintain their businesses during the transition.
Clear information about the location, accessibility and allocation of the alternative spaces could help reduce uncertainty.
Plans for a modern 24-hour market
The proposed demolition forms part of a wider redevelopment plan to replace the deteriorating structure with an ultra-modern 24-hour market.
According to the Assembly’s account reported, the proposed facility is expected to provide additional trading space and improved amenities.
The planned development is expected to include a clinic, a school, a police station and a children’s playground, alongside facilities intended to support commercial activities. .Privacy Policy & Terms
If implemented as described, the project could offer traders a more organised trading environment while providing services for the wider community.
However, the available reports do not establish a confirmed construction completion date or provide a verified budget for the proposed redevelopment.
The transition from the existing structure to a new market will require coordination between the Assembly, traders and other relevant stakeholders.
Measures to protect people during the demolition process and maintain access to nearby businesses will also be important.
Safety and livelihoods must remain priorities
The situation at the old Madina Zonal Council highlights the difficult balance local authorities sometimes face between urgent public safety concerns and the economic needs of people who depend on market trading.
The engineering findings provide a strong reason for authorities to address the building’s condition promptly.
At the same time, transparent communication, fair relocation arrangements and practical support can help limit the disruption experienced by traders.
For shoppers and traders, the immediate priority is to avoid exposure to any structure that qualified professionals consider unsafe. Newscard
For the Assembly, the challenge is to ensure that the planned intervention is carried out safely and that redevelopment moves forward with clear information for the affected community.
Until an official update confirms the completion of the demolition, the exercise should be described as planned or pending confirmation.
The next developments to watch are an official announcement on the demolition, further details about the new market and confirmation of arrangements for traders who may be affected.