Renewed concerns over the use of uncompleted buildings for public activities have emerged following a deadly structure collapse in Accra Newtown that claimed three lives and left several others injured.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, March 29, involved an uncompleted four-storey building near the Experimental D/A School that had reportedly been converted into a place of worship. At the time of the collapse, 23 individuals were inside the structure.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) confirmed that 20 people were rescued through coordinated efforts involving emergency responders and community members. The survivors, made up of men, women, and children, were transported to nearby health facilities for treatment.
Tragically, three victims—two females and one male—lost their lives. Their bodies have been handed over to the police as investigations begin into the cause of the collapse.
Rescue teams responded swiftly after receiving a distress call in the evening, relying on faint cries from trapped victims to guide their search efforts during the operation.
Authorities say work is ongoing to clear the debris and secure the area, while a full-scale investigation is expected to determine what led to the structural failure.
The incident has sparked fresh debate about building safety regulations and the dangers of occupying unfinished or abandoned structures, especially for large gatherings. Stakeholders are urging stricter enforcement of safety standards to prevent similar tragedies.
