Operations at China Mall in the Ga West Municipality have been suspended after a section of the building gave way, prompting concerns about the safety of the facility.
The Ga West Municipal Assembly said the decision to shut down the commercial centre followed an on-site assessment which concluded that the structure could endanger the public if left accessible. The partial collapse occurred earlier in the week and, although no lives were lost, officials say the consequences could have been severe.
According to the Assembly, the closure is a preventive measure to allow for thorough investigations into what caused the incident. Technical officers from the Assembly, supported by personnel from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), are currently examining the building.
A municipal source said the mall will not be reopened until it has been declared structurally sound by the relevant authorities.
As a result of the directive, traders and shoppers have been asked to stay away from the premises while checks continue. Officials are considering several possible factors, including construction quality, structural design and any unauthorised changes made to the building.
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The incident has once again drawn attention to safety standards in commercial developments, particularly in rapidly expanding urban communities.
Authorities say findings from the investigations will guide the next steps, including any enforcement actions required.
