In recent months, Ghana has faced several devastating building collapses, resulting in fatalities and serious injuries.
These incidents have raised significant concerns among professionals in the built environment about construction standards, prompting calls for immediate action.
Kasoa New Market Collapse
On August 26, 2024, a three-storey building at Kasoa New Market in the Awutu Senya East Municipality, Central Region, collapsed, claiming the lives of four individuals.
Eyewitnesses described the tragic event, noting that the victims included young workers and trainees.
“The sad incident happened at Kasoa. This three-storey building collapsed and four people have died; may their souls rest in peace. This is so sad. Some are young girls learning trade as well as workers. This happened at the Kasoa New Market.”
The collapse occurred while workers were on the second floor, with the carpenter dying on the spot and the others succumbing to their injuries en route to the hospital.
The Ghana National Fire Service has initiated an investigation into this incident.
Sewua Building Collapse
On July 17, 2024, a two-storey building in Sewua, Ashanti Region, caved in, resulting in the death of a mason in his early forties.
The deceased, Kwaku Gyemfi, was the lead constructor at the site. Witnesses reported that Gyemfi was attempting to reinforce collapsing pillars when the structure failed.
His assistant had warned him of the impending collapse, but he was trapped before he could escape.
Adeiso School Building Collapse
A school building in Adeiso, Upper West Akim District, Eastern Region, collapsed on February 15, 2024, during a rainstorm.
The collapse injured 10 out of 50 students present, with four suffering severe injuries.
Despite ongoing concerns about the building’s deteriorating condition, no preventive measures were taken. The incident occurred as students and teachers sought shelter during a sports event.
West Legon Shop Complex Collapse
In West Legon, Accra, a two-storey shop complex collapsed during a fire incident, injuring four firefighters from the Legon Fire Station.
The fire service had responded to a distress call about a blaze at the location. The collapse occurred as they were working to extinguish the fire.
Two of the injured firefighters were treated at the University of Ghana Medical Centre for their critical conditions.