Two confirmed dead as building collapse traps worshippers at Accra New Town

The Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has confirmed that two people have died following the collapse of an uncompleted multi-storey building at Accra New Town, as rescue efforts intensify to save others feared trapped beneath the rubble.

Mr Allotey disclosed that at least 14 people had been rescued so far from the debris, with emergency teams working into the night in a race against time to locate additional survivors.

The incident occurred on Sunday, March 29, after a heavy rainstorm, when the structure—located within the premises of the Accra New Town Experimental Basic School—suddenly gave way. The building, reportedly used by Christian worshippers on Sundays, was still under construction at the time of the collapse.

Emergency responders, including personnel from the Ghana Police Service, National Disaster Management Organisation and the Ghana National Fire Service, have since taken over the scene, deploying floodlights and specialised equipment to sustain rescue operations after dark.

Authorities say several people may still be trapped, with reports that some victims could be heard calling for help from beneath the wreckage, heightening the urgency of the ongoing operation.

Before the arrival of emergency services, residents and bystanders mounted initial rescue efforts, using bare hands and rudimentary tools to pull victims from the collapsed structure.

Several of the injured have been transported to nearby health facilities for treatment, while security personnel have cordoned off the area to facilitate the work of rescue teams.

The cause of the collapse remains unknown, and officials say investigations will be launched once rescue operations are completed.

Rescue teams have pledged to continue working through the night as hopes remain that more survivors can be pulled from the debris.