Tests find 11 N/mm² strength in abandoned Madina Market building

An abandoned two-storey building at the old Madina Zonal Council within the Madina Market in Accra has been found to have significantly weakened structural strength, with test results showing readings as low as 11 Newtons per square millimetre, GhanaWeb reported on 17 October, citing Class FM.

The Municipal Engineer of the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly, Mohammed Danjumah Ahmed, said delays in addressing the condition of the building could lead to a major disaster for which the assembly could be held responsible for negligence. Structural integrity tests carried out with support from external engineers returned readings of about 20 N/mm² in some areas, dropping to 11 N/mm² in others.

Construction of the building began in the early 2000s and was intended to provide trading space for about 200 people, but the project was never completed, leaving exposed metal rods, damaged walls and sections in a precarious condition. Trading continues in the surrounding market, with some traders using parts of the unfinished structure to store goods and others displaying wares beneath it.

Some traders acknowledge the danger but say the lack of alternative trading space makes relocation difficult. The assembly says it has provided affected traders with an alternative site nearby so business can continue while the old structure is demolished and a new market is built.

Engineer Ahmed said the demolition forms part of plans to replace the structure with an ultra-modern 24-hour market that would include a clinic, a school, a police station and a children's playground. 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.