Tragedy in Accra New Town: three dead , 19 trapped after building collapse

A three-storey building under construction collapsed in the Accra New Town area on Sunday, killing at least two people and trapping several others, authorities have confirmed.

Rescue teams, including personnel from the Ghana Police Service, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and the Ghana National Fire Service, worked late into the night using floodlights and heavy equipment to reach victims believed to be still under the rubble. So far, 14 people have been pulled out alive.

The building, located within the premises of the Accra New Town Experimental Basic School, was reportedly being used by a Christian congregation at the time of the collapse.

Long-time residents say the tragedy was not unexpected. They had long raised concerns about the structural integrity of the building.

“I have been living here for over 20 years, and this building is very, very weak,” one resident told reporters. “Everybody in the community knows this building is weak, yet they allowed services and activities inside. That is very bad.”

Another resident added, “They should have known the building would collapse. Very, very sad.”

According to witnesses, some trapped victims could be heard calling for help as emergency workers continued their efforts. Authorities fear several people may still be buried beneath the debris.

The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, but the incident has reignited concerns about lax safety standards and weak enforcement of building regulations in the area.

Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey confirmed the two fatalities and has called for a thorough investigation. Rescue operations are ongoing.