Vice President Opoku-Agyemang and Interior Minister Demand Strict Enforcement Following Fatal Avenor Building Collapse

A tragic building collapse in the Avenor area of North Kaneshie, Accra, has claimed at least two lives and left several others trapped, sparking a high-level government response and calls for systemic reform in Ghana's construction sector. The disaster, which occurred on June 7, 2026, involved a three-storey multi-purpose building in the North Industrial Area. Emergency responders from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and the Ghana Police Service have been working tirelessly at the scene, using heavy equipment to navigate the debris and reach those still missing under the rubble.

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang visited the disaster site to assess the situation and console the victims. Emphasizing that safety regulations exist for a reason, she urged the public and developers to strictly adhere to building codes, even when they seem restrictive. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commended the bravery of the rescue teams and neighbors who assisted during the initial hours of the crisis. She stressed that a thorough investigation is non-negotiable and that accountability must be established to prevent future tragedies, particularly warning against the dangers of unauthorized construction in flood-prone areas.

In a parallel response, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, announced the formation of an investigative committee to probe the technical causes of the collapse. During his inspection of the scene, the Minister pointedly blamed weak enforcement by Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). He clarified that district assemblies hold sole responsibility for issuing building permits and ensuring that constructions align with approved development plans. Mohammed-Mubarak called for a proactive crackdown on unauthorized structures, noting that agencies like the Fire Service and Police cannot fix the structural integrity of buildings if the initial siting and permitting processes are flawed.

The incident has also drawn the attention of the legislative branch, with the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei South, Ernest Adomako, pledging to bring the matter before Parliament. Adomako expressed deep concern over the recurrence of building collapses in the country and emphasized the need for enhanced governmental oversight of construction practices. As rescue operations continue, the focus has shifted toward a broader national conversation on urban safety, with officials promising that the findings of the investigative committee will lead to concrete measures to safeguard the lives of residents across the capital.