Accra Newtown Building Collapse: NADMO Completes Rescue Operations, All Victims Retrieved

The Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Major (Rtd) Dr Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, has confirmed that all individuals trapped beneath the collapsed building near the Newtown Experimental D/A School in Accra have been successfully rescued.

The incident occurred on Sunday, March 29, when a structure reportedly being used for a religious gathering suddenly caved in while worshippers were assembled on the premises.

The disaster claimed three lives and left approximately 20 others injured, sparking renewed concerns over building safety compliance and structural integrity in parts of the capital.

Speaking after rescue operations were concluded, Dr Kuyon announced that emergency teams had completed a thorough search of the site and confirmed that no victims remained trapped under the debris.

According to him, authorities have officially transitioned from active search-and-rescue efforts to a recovery phase focused on the safe removal of rubble and restoration of normal activities within the community.

“We have moved from emergency response aimed at saving lives and property to the next phase, which involves clearing the site to allow community activities to resume,” he stated.

“This is a critical stage, and we must ensure that no one interferes with the process in a way that could endanger others.”

Dr Kuyon revealed that specially trained sniffer dogs were deployed during the operation to verify that no survivors or bodies remained beneath the rubble, reinforcing confidence that the rescue mission had been fully completed.

He further commended the coordinated efforts of emergency response agencies, including NADMO personnel, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Police Service, and medical teams, whose swift intervention helped prevent further casualties.

Meanwhile, government authorities are expected to launch a comprehensive investigation to establish the exact cause of the collapse, with particular attention likely to be given to building permits, structural standards, and regulatory enforcement.

The incident has once again intensified calls for stricter monitoring of construction activities and adherence to building regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.