Michael Mensah confirms Villaggio building is structurally sound

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ayawaso West, Dr. Michael Mensah, has assured the public that the new Villaggio high-rise building near the Tetteh Quarshie Roundabout is safe and poses no risk of collapse. The assurance follows the circulation of a viral video showing debris falling from the construction site during a period of strong winds, which sparked concerns about the building's integrity. Dr. Mensah clarified that the falling materials were loose blocks rather than a failure of the building's core structural elements.

Following the incident, the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly conducted a thorough inspection of the site in collaboration with the Engineering Council. The assessment concluded that the building's structural integrity remains intact. The MCE noted that the area surrounding the site had been cordoned off during the incident as a standard safety precaution, and he emphasized that the "partial collapse" reported on some social media platforms was limited to non-structural block work dislodged by high-altitude winds.

To prevent similar occurrences and further enhance site safety, the Assembly has directed the developers to implement several technical measures. These include the installation of safety nets around the perimeter of the building and the adoption of staged construction for block work. Dr. Mensah explained that limiting the height of block work before it is fully reinforced will significantly mitigate the risk of materials being affected by heavy winds at such heights.

Dr. Mensah urged residents, commuters, and the general public to continue their activities in the area without fear, stating that all high-rise projects in the municipality are required to comply with rigorous regulatory procedures. The Assembly has committed to ongoing monitoring of the Villaggio project to ensure that all recommended safety protocols are strictly followed as construction continues toward completion.