Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has demanded a full-scale investigation and the prosecution of engineers responsible for the collapse of a building at the Accra Newtown Experimental D/A School.
According to the Majority Leader, the collapse of the uncompleted structure points to a failure by the engineers to exercise due diligence in ensuring its structural integrity.
Speaking at the scene of the disaster, Mahama Ayariga expressed condolences to the bereaved families and criticised poor project supervision across the country, stressing the need to hold those responsible accountable.
“It calls into question the way that we supervise projects and construction in this country. Time and time again, it is only when structures collapse and lives are lost that the issue is discussed, and yet little is done afterwards. Engineers supervising these structures must be held accountable,” he said.
The incident occurred on Sunday, March 29, when an old school building near the Experimental Junior High School at Accra Newtown, reportedly converted into a makeshift place of worship, caved in.
The collapse killed three people and left several others injured.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said it received the distress call at 5:01 p.m. The first and second rescue teams from the National Headquarters arrived at the scene at 5:17 p.m. and 5:19 p.m. respectively to commence search and rescue operations.
Initial reports indicated that 23 people – including 15 females, 8 males, and three minors – were trapped under the rubble. Through the coordinated efforts of the GNFS, other emergency agencies, and local residents, 20 victims were successfully rescued and rushed to various health facilities for treatment.
Tragically, three people – two females and one male – lost their lives. Their bodies have been handed over to the police for preservation and further investigations.