Tarkwa (W/R), March 4, GNA - The building housing the offices of the Ghana National Fire Service at Tarkwa is on the verge of collapse.

Investigations by the Ghana News Agency revealed that many cracks had developed on the walls of the building, half of which has sank and tilted in a grotesque shape, making it unsafe to be used as an office. It is suspected that blasting underground by "Galamsey" operators have resulted in the cracks.

In an interview, Mr Alex Atikunu, Divisional Officer Grade II, in-charge of the Station said a report had been made to the District Chief Executive, Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Ayensu.

He said in June 2004, a crack developed in one of the rooms with other cracks opening in other rooms in November and December. According to the Fire Officer in charge, Mr Ayensu had promised that the Assembly would immediately relocate the Fire Station and pull the structure down "because it is too dangerous".

Meanwhile, a number of houses nearby including a shop owned by L'Air Liquide have also developed cracks leaving the structures in bizarre shapes.