Ghana’s Interior Minister, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has confirmed that three people have died following the collapse of a three-storey building at Accra New Town, as rescue operations continue at the scene.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday at an uncompleted structure located within the premises of the Accra New Town Experimental Basic School, a site reportedly also used by Christian worshippers. Initial reports indicated two fatalities, but the latest official update has raised the death toll to three.
According to the Minister, the deceased include two women and one man, although their identities are yet to be confirmed. Authorities say efforts were made to carefully verify casualty figures before making them public.
“So far, information that has been cross-checked, double-checked, and verified across hospitals confirms the numbers we are sharing,” he stated while addressing the media at the scene.
Rescue efforts intensified through the night, with emergency teams working under floodlights to locate and assist victims trapped beneath the rubble. Personnel from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and the National Ambulance Service have all been deployed to the site.
The Minister disclosed that a total of 23 people were affected by the collapse. Out of that number, 20 individuals survived and are currently receiving treatment at various health facilities, including the Police Hospital, Mamobi Polyclinic, and a private medical centre.
He further revealed that women and minors make up a significant portion of those involved. Of the 23 victims, 15 are females and eight are males, with seven identified as minors. However, none of the deceased are children.
Despite the progress made in rescue operations, authorities acknowledge the difficulty in determining how many people were inside the building at the time of the collapse. The Minister explained that coordinated efforts between emergency agencies have helped provide a clearer picture.
Emergency responders have been widely commended for their swift and dedicated response. “The Ambulance Service and their team have been here the whole night, and they’ve done a wonderful job. We are truly grateful,” the Minister added.
Meanwhile, search and rescue operations are ongoing amid fears that more individuals could still be trapped beneath the debris. Reports indicate that some victims were earlier heard calling for help, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The cause of the building collapse remains unknown, and investigations are expected to be launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities have assured the public that all necessary steps will be taken to uncover the cause and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
