A tragic building collapse in Accra New Town, a suburb of Accra, has claimed two lives and left several others injured after worshippers were trapped beneath the rubble of an uncompleted structure.
According to GhanaSky.com analyst, the incident, which occurred on Sunday, March 29, has sparked urgent rescue operations and renewed concerns over building safety in the Ayawaso Central area.
Incident Overview: What Happened in Accra New Town
From GhanaSky.com editor, the collapse occurred shortly after a heavy rainstorm swept through the area.
The structure, an uncompleted multi-storey building located within the premises of the Accra New Town Experimental Basic School, suddenly gave way while being used for a Christian church service.
The building, though still under construction, had reportedly become a regular gathering place for worshippers on Sundays.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
The Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, confirmed that:
• Two people have died following the collapse
• At least 14 individuals have been rescued from the debris
• Several others are still feared trapped beneath the rubble
Rescue teams have been working tirelessly, with operations extending into the night as emergency responders race against time to locate survivors.
@ghanaregions Ghana Ayawaso Central school block collapsed at Hon. Abdul Rauf Tongym Tubazu area. Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central school block collapsed. #foryou #ghanatiktok🇬🇭 #GhanaRegions ♬ original sound – Ghana Regions
Disturbingly, reports indicate that some victims could still be heard calling for help from beneath the wreckage, intensifying the urgency of the ongoing rescue mission.
Emergency Response: Agencies on the Ground
Multiple national emergency agencies have taken control of the site, including:
• Ghana Police Service
• National Disaster Management Organisation
• Ghana National Fire Service
These teams have deployed floodlights and specialized rescue equipment to continue operations after dark. The area has been cordoned off to ensure safety and allow uninterrupted rescue work.
Community Response Before Emergency Arrival
Before official responders reached the scene, local residents and bystanders acted quickly:
• Using bare hands and simple tools to remove debris
• Rescuing trapped individuals in the early moments after the collapse
• Assisting in transporting injured victims to nearby hospitals
Their swift action is believed to have saved several lives in the critical initial phase.
Injuries and Medical Treatment
Several injured victims have been transported to nearby health facilities for urgent medical care. While some have been treated and discharged, others remain under observation due to the severity of their injuries.
Possible Cause: Under Investigation
The exact cause of the collapse remains unknown. However, preliminary context suggests several possible contributing factors:
• Heavy rainfall prior to the incident may have weakened the structure
• The building was uncompleted, raising concerns about structural integrity
• Unauthorized use of a construction site for public gatherings
Authorities have confirmed that a full investigation will be launched once rescue operations are concluded.
Location Context: Ayawaso Central and Accra New Town
Accra New Town lies within the Ayawaso Central Municipal District, a densely populated area in the Greater Accra Region. The community is known for:
• Mixed residential and institutional buildings
• High population density
• Increasing pressure on urban infrastructure
The incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with unregulated construction and the use of incomplete buildings for public activities.
Growing Concerns Over Building Safety in Ghana
This tragedy adds to a series of building collapse incidents across Ghana, raising critical questions about:
• Enforcement of building regulations
• Inspection of construction projects
• Public awareness of structural safety
Urban authorities are now under increasing pressure to ensure stricter compliance and prevent similar disasters.
The collapse of the uncompleted building in Accra New Town has left families grieving and a community shaken. With two confirmed dead and others still feared trapped, rescue teams continue their race against time.
As investigations loom, this incident stands as a stark reminder of the importance of building safety, regulation enforcement, and responsible use of structures—especially in densely populated areas like Ayawaso Central in Accra.
