The Sekondi–Takoradi Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) is set to lead the demolishing of the iconic Zenith Cinema in Takoradi while renovating the equally historic Prempeh Theatre.
This follows alarming structural assessments that have revealed extensive deterioration and potential safety risks at the two once-celebrated entertainment landmarks.
The decision, which is subject to final technical recommendations, comes after engineers and disaster management officials concluded that the sZenith Cinema has deteriorated beyond rehabilitation, while Prempeh Theatre can still be salvaged through extensive renovation works.
The starkly different fate awaiting the two historic structures reflects the severity of the damage discovered during a final assessment exercise led by the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Directorate of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
Deep and dangerous cracks run through large sections of both buildings. Windows have been shattered for years, wooden staircases have rotted away, mould has spread across walls and ceilings, and exposed iron rods protrude from crumbling concrete.
In some areas, portions of the structures have already broken off and fallen, heightening fears that a catastrophic collapse could occur if urgent intervention is delayed.
Residents and traders operating around the buildings say they have witnessed pieces of concrete and other building materials detach from the structures on several occasions. Fortunately, most of those incidents reportedly occurred at night when human activity around the facilities was minimal, sparing the city from what could have been serious injuries or fatalities.
The growing danger has compelled authorities to cordon off both structures as a precautionary measure.
Leading a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technical experts to the sites, Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Director of NADMO, Alhaji Abubakar Kamal, said the exercise forms part of a wider effort to address unsafe buildings across the metropolis.
The exercise follows a comprehensive assessment undertaken in late 2025, during which NADMO identified 88 structures across Sekondi-Takoradi that were considered dangerous, dilapidated or structurally compromised.
“We are here to conduct our final assessment on these two structures so that whatever recommendations the engineers offer, we implement them. But even without any technical eyes, you can see that clearly something must be done and done quickly to avert any possible future calamity,” Alhaji Abubakar Kamal told ConnectNews
According to the NADMO Director, the initial findings leave little room for optimism regarding the Zenith Cinema. “Our assessment of the Prempeh Theatre points to renovation, whilst that of the Zenith Cinema points to total demolition.”
The assessment team included officials from the Metro Works Department, Urban Roads Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ghana National Fire Service and NADMO, highlighting the seriousness of the threat posed by the structures.
The current state of the structures stands in stark contrast to their significance during Takoradi’s golden years.
For decades, Prempeh Theatre and Zenith Cinema were among the most vibrant entertainment centres in the Western Region, attracting thousands of patrons for movies, musical performances, social events and boxing contests. Historical accounts describe the two facilities as major social hubs that defined nightlife and popular culture in the twin city.
Prempeh Theatre was once among a network of cinemas that served Sekondi-Takoradi’s growing population during an era when cinemas represented the primary source of mass entertainment. Alongside Princess Cinema, The View and Exile, it helped shape the city’s cultural landscape.
The facilities also played an important role in sports promotion. Boxing enthusiasts recall that major bouts were staged at Zenith and Prempeh, helping cement Sekondi-Takoradi’s reputation as one of Ghana’s traditional boxing strongholds.
Today, however, those once-bustling venues have become shadows of their former selves. The possible demolition of Zenith Cinema marks the end of an era for many residents of the twin city.
What were once vibrant centres of entertainment have become ageing and potentially dangerous structures that pose significant risks to public safety. With engineers already recommending the complete demolition of Zenith Cinema and extensive rehabilitation of Prempeh Theatre, attention now turns to how quickly the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly will act on the final report.
For residents living and working nearby, the hope is that intervention will come before the city records a disaster that many believe has been narrowly avoided for years.
“The other time, parts of the concrete on the back of the Zenith Cinema came off without any warning. Had it happened during the day, it would have been a sad news.
We knew these breaks would happen. As to when, we are always worried. So, every day we live and trade around in fear,” Mavis Jonfiah, a resident and shop keeper close by lamented
By Eric Yaw Adjei
