North Industrial Area building collapse: 2 dead, 3 rescued; Veep calls for enforcement of regulations

A two-storey building collapsed in Avenor, North Industrial Area, Kaneshie, in Ghana's Greater Accra Region, resulting in two confirmed deaths and three rescues. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of yesterday, also caused a nearby mosque to flatten.

Residents were left in shock and grief as it emerged that people were inside the building when it collapsed. The ground floor of the structure reportedly housed a shop selling general goods, including children's wear. Rescue efforts were undertaken by personnel from the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana National Fire Service, the National Disaster Management Organisation, and the Ghana Ambulance Service.

Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, along with other government officials, visited the scene. She expressed sadness over the incident and stressed the importance of accountability and strict adherence to building regulations. "There are many things we can all prevent, and it is about doing the right thing. We know them. We are told that somebody is trapped in there. Why should this happen? Because somebody did not do the right thing," she stated.

The Vice President emphasized that individuals responsible for enforcing regulations must be supported and that rules, though sometimes unpopular, are essential for public safety. She called for a thorough investigation into the collapse and stressed the need to respect and enforce building codes to prevent future tragedies.

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There are many things we can all prevent, and it is about doing the right thing. We know them. We are told that somebody is trapped in there. Why should this happen? Because somebody did not do the right thing.