A three-storey building in Avenor, North Kaneshie, collapsed on Sunday, killing two people and hospitalizing two others. A preliminary investigation suggests the structure did not have a building permit from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.
Prince Kas-Avotri, an engineer with the Ghana Institute of Engineering, disclosed this finding at the scene. He indicated that without a permit, approved architectural or engineering plans would not have guided the construction. This lack of oversight significantly raises safety concerns for the building's integrity.
This incident is the second building collapse in Accra within a week. On June 3, a building in Adenta New Site also collapsed after heavy rainfall, killing one person and injuring four. Such repeated failures underscore calls for stricter enforcement of Ghana’s building regulations and permit requirements. Lax oversight can lead to severe threats to public safety and significant financial and social costs.
“From what we are hearing, it looks like the assembly has not given out any permit,” Kas-Avotri stated. He added, “We are here to confirm that fully, but the building has no permit.” The Ghana Institute of Engineering is still in the early stages of its investigation. They have collected samples for testing and will conduct further modelling to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly must enforce its regulations more stringently. The number of unpermitted structures threatens public safety and the city’s urban development. Such events can also erode public trust in construction standards and regulatory bodies. Decision-makers need to address these systemic issues to prevent future tragedies.
Markets and property owners will likely respond to increased scrutiny of building permits. This could lead to higher compliance costs for developers. It may also impact property values in areas perceived as having lax construction oversight. The government must also consider the economic burden of emergency responses to such disasters, which strains public resources.
The lack of proper permits also implies no approved plans signed by architects or built environment specialists. This raises questions about the quality of materials used and construction practices. The integrity of the building was compromised from its inception without professional oversight. This is a critical factor in understanding the structural failure.
The Ghana National Fire Service, NADMO, the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Armed Forces were all involved in the large-scale emergency response. Rescue and excavation operations have concluded. These repeated incidents highlight the urgent need for a robust regulatory framework and vigorous enforcement. This ensures the safety of Ghana's urban infrastructure.