The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has called for a thorough investigation into the collapse of a school building in Accra Newtown, stressing that those responsible for oversight must account for how a known structural concern was allowed to persist.
After visiting the site on Monday, he expressed sympathy with affected families but emphasized the need to address the lapses that led to the incident.
“We sympathize with the affected families, but we must ask critical questions—how did this happen?” he said. “The people in charge must provide answers. What our Vice President said is very true; people must explain why this occurred.”
His remarks align with earlier comments by the Vice President, who urged relevant authorities within the city and education sector to account for the condition of the building.
The Mayor noted that the structure had existed for many years, raising concerns about routine inspections and maintenance. He stressed that public facilities, particularly schools, must be regularly assessed to prevent avoidable tragedies.
The collapse occurred on Sunday, March 29, prompting a swift response from emergency agencies, including NADMO, the Ghana National Fire Service, and the Ghana Police Service. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage and confirming casualties.
The incident has renewed concerns among residents about the condition of older school buildings across Accra. Some community members indicated they had previously raised alarms about visible cracks in the structure, though it remains unclear whether any formal complaint reached the Municipal Assembly before the collapse.
The Mayor assured that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly will fully cooperate with investigations and take appropriate action against any officials or contractors found culpable.
“It is the right direction,” he added, emphasizing that accountability is key to restoring public trust in the management of city infrastructure.
Investigations are ongoing, with the Assembly expected to release a preliminary report in the coming days.
ALSO READ:
