Tragic Building Collapse in Accra Claims Three Lives

On March 29, 2026, a three-storey building in Accra's New Town area collapsed during a church service, resulting in the confirmed deaths of three individuals—two women and one man. The structure, which was part of the Accra New Town Experimental Basic School, had been unfinished for several years but was still being used for gatherings. Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak reported that approximately 20 others, primarily women and children, were rescued and are receiving treatment at various hospitals, including the Police Hospital and the 37 Military Hospital.

"I Was Sacked Like a Goat": Henry Quartey Clashes with Security at Newtown Building Collapse Scene

Emergency teams, including personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Police Service, and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), worked through the night using floodlights to search for survivors. Initial rescue efforts were conducted by local residents who attempted to pull victims from the rubble before official responders arrived. Reports indicated that some victims were heard calling for help from beneath the debris, heightening the urgency of the rescue operations.

Two confirmed dead as building collapse traps worshippers at Accra New Town

Witnesses described the building as visibly weak and poorly maintained, with one resident, Amadu Mohammed Hafiz, stating, "Everybody in the community knows the building is very weak, yet they allowed services and activities inside." Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud noises before the collapse, followed by a cloud of dust that obscured visibility. The incident has reignited discussions about building safety standards in Ghana, reminiscent of a significant building collapse in 2012 attributed to poor construction practices.

BBC News

Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak emphasized the need for improved enforcement of building regulations, stating, "We have the laws, we have the regulation and if we do things right, we will not get this problem." He acknowledged the challenges in determining the exact number of people present during the collapse but confirmed that a total of 23 individuals were involved, with three fatalities.

"I Was Sacked Like a Goat": Henry Quartey Clashes with Security at Newtown Building Collapse Scene

Henry Quartey, a former Greater Accra Regional Minister, criticized national security operatives for their handling of the situation, claiming they politicized the rescue efforts and prevented him from assisting. He expressed disappointment, stating, "I'm sad today, and so disappointed that people have been trapped in rubble, and we are here to help, but they are doing politics."

"I Was Sacked Like a Goat": Henry Quartey Clashes with Security at Newtown Building Collapse Scene

While the death toll has been confirmed at three, there were initial reports suggesting varying numbers of casualties. The total number of individuals involved in the incident was reported as 23, with 20 rescued and receiving treatment. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, with heavy rainfall suspected to have played a role.

Death toll rises in Accra New Town building collapse as rescue efforts continue

Authorities have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the collapse once rescue operations are concluded. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding building safety and structural integrity in Ghana, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of construction regulations to prevent future tragedies.

Deadly collapse rocks Ghana church service: 3 killed