The four-storey Avenor building that collapsed on Sunday, June 7, 2026, was constructed using concrete that visibly lacked strength. Structural engineer Emmanuel Aidoo stated that the material appeared to fall short of basic engineering standards. This assessment came after an initial inspection of the collapsed site. The structure was only about six years old, with construction believed to have started around 2020 or 2021.
Mr. Aidoo, a Professional Engineer with the Ghana Institute of Engineers, explained that standard construction requires concrete to achieve at least 25 Newtons per square millimetre of compressive strength. He doubts this building's concrete met that measure. Aidoo emphasized that such a multi-storey building demands rigorous engineering, not just guesswork. He spoke on Joy FM's Super Morning Show about his findings. The collapse resulted in two fatalities and two hospitalised individuals.
This incident is the second building collapse in Accra within a week. A similar event occurred in Adenta New Site on June 3rd, leading to one death. Another engineer, Prince Kas-Avotri, also of the Ghana Institute of Engineers, previously suggested the Avenor building might have been built without a permit from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. This implies no approved construction plans guided the building process.
Mr. Aidoo's observations are preliminary. Formal testing on concrete samples and structural analysis are still needed for conclusive findings. However, the visible deterioration in a relatively new structure points to potential issues in material sourcing or construction practices. Such failures can erode public trust and impact the real estate sector.
The collapse and its suspected causes highlight a critical need for stronger building code enforcement. Regulator scrutiny of construction materials and site supervision is essential. This event could prompt stricter oversight from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and national building authorities. Investors and the public will likely demand greater assurance of construction safety and compliance moving forward.