An abandoned two-storey building at the old Madina Zonal Council within the Madina Market has been found to have significantly weakened structural strength, with test results indicating readings as low as 11 Newtons per square millimetre (N/mm²), raising fresh concerns about the safety of traders and customers.
The Municipal Engineer of the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly, Engineer Mohammed Danjumah Ahmed, has warned that further delays in addressing the condition of the building could result in a major disaster, for which the Assembly could be held responsible for negligence.
Speaking to the media, Engineer Ahmed said the Assembly had a responsibility to protect lives and property and could not afford to ignore the risks posed by the deteriorating structure.
“The role of the Assembly is to ensure the safety of its constituents, protect and safeguard lives and property. What is the use of all the engineers at the Assembly if we sit and watch this building collapse on traders?” he asked.
He explained that structural integrity tests had been conducted on the building and other structures with support from external engineers.
According to him, the results showed that the abandoned building had recorded structural strength readings of about 20 N/mm² in some areas, dropping to as low as 11 N/mm² in others.
The findings have heightened concerns about the building, which has remained incomplete for years despite the continued trading activities around it.
Construction of the two-storey building reportedly began in the early 2000s and was intended to provide trading space for about 200 people. However, the project has remained unfinished, leaving the structure exposed to years of deterioration.
A visit to the area revealed exposed metal rods, damaged walls and sections of the building that appear to be in a precarious condition.
While the structure remains unused for its intended purpose, trading activities continue in the surrounding market, with some traders reportedly using parts of the unfinished building to store their goods.
Others continue to display and sell their wares beneath or close to the structure, raising concerns about the potential consequences should any section fail.
Some traders acknowledge the danger but say the lack of alternative trading spaces makes it difficult to relocate their businesses without disrupting their livelihoods.
The situation presents a difficult choice for those who depend on the market for their daily income: move away from their established trading locations or continue operating in an area where safety concerns remain unresolved.
The Assembly says, however, that it has provided the affected traders with an alternative trading space not far from their current location to allow business activities to continue while the old structure is demolished and a new market is constructed.
The situation presents a difficult choice for those who depend on the market for their daily income: move away from their established trading locations or continue operating in an area where safety concerns remain unresolved.
The Assembly says, however, that it has provided the affected traders with an alternative trading space not far from their current location to allow business activities to continue while the old structure is demolished and a new market is constructed.
Engineer Ahmed said the proposed demolition forms part of plans to replace the deteriorating structure with an ultra-modern 24-hour market designed to provide more trading space and improved facilities.
The proposed development is expected to include a clinic, a school, a police station and a children’s playground, among other facilities.
The Assembly says it has engaged traders on the condition of the building since 2021 and believes sufficient time has been given for them to understand the need for its removal.
The planned redevelopment is expected to improve trading conditions while providing facilities that could benefit traders, their families and other market users.
However, the immediate priority remains the safety of people who continue to operate around the abandoned structure.
With structural assessments now pointing to weakened sections of the building, the Assembly faces growing pressure to ensure that safety measures are enforced and the redevelopment process moves forward without exposing traders and customers to further danger.
For traders whose livelihoods depend on the Madina Market, the proposed new facility offers the prospect of a safer and more organised trading environment. The challenge for the Assembly will be to translate that promise into action while ensuring that no lives are put at risk during the transition.
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