Ghana Building Collapse: Accra Church Tragedy Claims Lives
A devastating tragedy unfolded in Accra, Ghana, on Sunday as a three-story building, being used as a church, collapsed during a service. The incident has resulted in the confirmed deaths of three individuals – two women and one man – and has sparked urgent questions about building safety standards in the country.
Rescue Efforts and Current Status
According to Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, at least 20 people have been rescued from the rubble, the majority being women and children. These individuals are currently receiving medical treatment in various hospitals across Accra. Authorities express a “90-95% certainty” that no further individuals remain trapped within the debris. Emergency teams worked tirelessly throughout the night, utilizing floodlights to search for survivors amidst the wreckage.
Cause of the Collapse and Ongoing Investigations
The cause of the collapse remains under investigation. The incident occurred following a period of heavy rainfall, raising concerns about potential structural weaknesses exacerbated by the weather. The building, part of a school in Accra’s New Town area, had been unfinished for several years but was reportedly in use despite its incomplete state. Local residents have voiced concerns about the building’s structural integrity for some time.
Eyewitness Accounts
Amadu Mohammed Hafiz, a local business owner, recounted hearing a noise before witnessing the building come down. “There was dust, I couldn’t see anything from the back,” he told the BBC. He immediately alerted the police after hearing cries for help from within the collapsed structure. Other eyewitnesses described the building as poorly constructed and lacking proper maintenance since construction began. One eyewitness stated, “Everybody in the community knows the building is very weak, yet they allowed services and activities inside.” Hafiz further noted that the building appeared to be on the verge of collapse for some time.
Recurring Concerns About Building Safety
This incident has reignited a national debate regarding the structural integrity of buildings in Ghana. It serves as a stark reminder of the 2012 collapse of a multi-story shopping centre, also attributed to substandard construction practices. Ludwing Annang Hesseh, President of the Ghana Institution of Engineering, emphasized the importance of enforcing existing building regulations. “We have the laws, we have the regulation and if we do things right, we will not get this problem,” he stated to the BBC. BBC News provides further coverage of this developing story.
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