The death toll from the collapse of a four-storey building at Avenor, North Kaneshie has climbed to three. One of the two survivors rescued from the rubble died from their injuries. Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey confirmed the tragic update. This incident occurred early Sunday morning, June 7.
Four people were caught when the building crumbled. Among the deceased is the owner of a Mothercare shop that operated within the structure. Initially, two people were pulled out alive and taken to the hospital. Tragically, one of them succumbed to severe injuries. This brought the confirmed fatalities to three people.
This building collapse adds to growing concerns about urban safety in Accra. The four-storey structure was reportedly constructed around 2020 or 2021. It housed both residential units and commercial spaces. Engineers from the Ghana Institute of Engineers visited the site. They expressed serious doubts about the building's integrity. They noted the apparent absence of a building permit from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. Substandard concrete, unlikely to meet strength requirements, was also visibly present.
Structural Engineer Emmanuel Aidoo previously warned about unsafe construction practices. He stated that buildings of this size require proper engineering oversight. "These structures have to be engineered," Aidoo explained. "You can't just use your mind to construct such buildings." Formal tests are still pending. These will include concrete sampling and structural modelling. These tests are crucial for definitive findings on the collapse's cause.
The Avenor incident is the second building to collapse in Accra within a week. A building fell at Adenta New Site on June 3. That incident killed one person and injured four others. These back-to-back tragedies intensify calls for stricter enforcement of building permit rules. Authorities are urged to improve structural safety inspections across the capital. The cost of property damage and the human toll highlight significant regulatory gaps.
This recurring problem affects public confidence in construction standards. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of regulatory bodies. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly faces pressure to ensure future constructions meet all safety regulations. Property developers and contractors must also adhere to established engineering principles and legal requirements. The economic impact of such collapses includes loss of business, property, and even lives, affecting families and livelihoods directly. Ensuring accountability and implementing stringent oversight are paramount for preventing future disasters.