A three-storey building collapsed in Avenor, Accra, on Sunday, killing two people. Esther Donkor, a trader and mother of four, is among the deceased. Two other individuals suffered critical injuries from the collapse. They are currently at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.
Emergency services, including the Ghana National Fire Service and the Ghana Armed Forces, responded quickly. They worked throughout Sunday to rescue survivors from the rubble. A joint team of security personnel and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) participated. Earth-moving equipment and manual methods were used to clear debris. Sections of the unstable structure were also brought down for safety.
The building was reportedly used for both homes and businesses. Eyewitnesses heard a loud noise before the structure crumbled without warning. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about building safety standards in Ghana. Loose regulations and inadequate enforcement can lead to such tragedies. Property developers often cut corners to save costs. This can endanger lives and livelihoods of residents and traders.
Ernest Korbah, Esther Donkor's ex-husband, confirmed her identity. "She was living in the building that collapsed on Sunday," he told Graphic Online. He learned of her death on Monday. Neighbours identified her as the person trapped. Mr. Korbah was en route to Kaneshie Police station for identification processes. This event underscores the human cost of preventable structural failures.
The incident is likely to renew calls for stricter building code enforcement. Authorities will investigate the cause of the collapse. Factors such as poor construction materials or design flaws will be examined. The stability of surrounding structures may also be assessed. This event affects the local community and raises broader questions about urban development and safety in Ghana. It places a financial and emotional burden on the victims' families.