Ghana Tragedy: Building Collapse at Roman Ridge Leaves 14 Injured, Investigations Underway

Fourteen construction workers were injured on Tuesday afternoon when a three-storey building under construction at the Roman Ridge Engineering Centre in Accra collapsed. The incident, reportedly involving a structure being developed by Fabrico Builders, occurred between a 10-storey high-rise apartment and the Ghana Institute of Engineering, sending debris across the site.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) confirmed receiving a distress call regarding the collapse at 12:18 p.m. A rescue team from the GNFS National Headquarters, led by Assistant Divisional Officer II Ankrah (ADO II Ankrah), was immediately dispatched and arrived at the scene by 12:29 p.m. Upon their arrival, all 14 affected persons, identified as male construction workers, had already been rescued by eyewitnesses and other responders. They were swiftly transported to the 37 Military Hospital and the Ridge Hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the injured workers sustained varying degrees of injuries, some described as severe, but crucially, no fatalities have been recorded so far. While early reports indicated fears of more people potentially trapped, official statements confirm the rescue of the 14 known victims. Emergency responders, including the National Ambulance Service and the Police, were also on site to assist with the situation.

The cause of the structural collapse remains unclear, and comprehensive investigations are currently underway to determine the circumstances that led to the incident. Officials from the GNFS stated that a technical team has commenced probing whether the project met all required structural and safety standards and regulations.

In response to the incident, the site manager has been issued a directive to immediately suspend all construction activities at the Roman Ridge Engineering Centre. This halt will remain in effect pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation. Furthermore, authorities have instructed that corrective measures must be implemented to ensure full compliance with Ghana’s building and safety regulations before any resumption of work.

The Public Relations Directorate of the GNFS has issued a statement assuring the public that further updates regarding the investigation and its findings will be provided as more details emerge and the probe progresses.