As the inquiry into the London tower block fire continues, preliminary investigation appears to show that the fire was fuelled by the building’s covering.
According to UK officials, the building’s facade was a propeller of the fire at the Grenfell Tower block. Seventy-nine people are believed to have died in because of the June 14 fire.
After the fire, there have been numerous tests on high rise structures with cladding all over the United Kingdom. The BBC reports that at least 95 buildings have failed fire safety tests from authorities in England alone. The American firm that sold the cladding for Grenfell Tower has also suspended global sales of its products.
Some buildings that have not failed safety tests have also removed its cladding to reassure people about the safety of the building. This development has raised concerns about cladding not just in the UK but across the world.
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In an interview with Prince Billy Anaglatey, the public relations officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, confirmed to Pulse.com.gh that there are indeed some buildings in Accra with cladding on its exterior.
Although he could not readily give the total number of building that have aluminium composite material on its exterior, he said the service has began a massive campaign to audit high rise buildings across the country.
“The materials that we use to decorate our premises most of them are petroleum based [and because of that] when there is a fire, those are the things that aid and assist the spread of the fire from one point to the other.
We are aware of [the situation in Ghana] and that is what the safety audit we have been conducting on buildings are made to detect and correct. There are a lot things we look out for and that is one of them.”
In Accra, Pulse Ghana has identified some buildings that have used cladding for its exterior.
Ridge Hospital
The refurbished Ridge Hospital, now renamed Greater Accra Regional Hospital has employed cladding in its exterior designs. The hospital which was officially opened by then president, John Mahama in November 2016 is a 420-bed capacity hospital and expanded services in Neonatal care and burns.
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Villagio Vista apartments
Villagio is an apartment complex near the Kotoka International Airport. Along with its bars and rooftop pool, it is a popular spot for expatriates and the Ghanaian socialites. All three component buildings have cladding on its facade.
ibis Style Hotel
The ibis Style Hotel is a 190-room hotel located in the heart of the Airport City enclave. Since its opening in 2013, it has become a major feature in Accra’s sprawling skyline. It used to be known as the African Sun Hotel, operated by a Zimbabwean hospitality chain, but it folded up and its name changed after a transfer of ownership.
National Communications Authority Tower
The exterior of the headquarters of the National Communications Authority is a mixture of cladding and glazing (glass). The building is located on the Liberation Road.
Editor’s Note: While this story is a list of significant buildings in Accra that have deployed cladding, the author does not in any way suggest that these buildings are unsafe.