GES suspends classes at Accra Newtown school after deadly building collapse

The Ghana Education Service has directed students to stay away from the Accra Newtown Experimental D/A School following the collapse of a nearby building that claimed three lives and injured 20 others.

GES Director-General, Prof Ernest Kofi Davis, speaking after a security briefing at the school, said the service will hold an emergency meeting to determine the next steps. He emphasized that students must not return until all school structures have been thoroughly inspected and declared safe.

“We are going to work with the regional and national teams, including the estate department, to ensure that the remaining structures are safe for use. If they are not, we will advise students to avoid those areas,” Prof Davis told Citi FM.

Details of the Collapse

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, 29 March 2026, when an uncompleted four-storey building near the school, reportedly being used as a makeshift church, collapsed during a worship gathering. The Ghana National Fire Service reported the emergency at 5:01 p.m., with rescue teams arriving within minutes to commence search and recovery operations.

A total of 23 people, including three minors, were trapped in the debris. Emergency teams successfully rescued 20 individuals, who were subsequently taken to hospitals for treatment. Sadly, three people—two females and one male—were confirmed dead and their bodies have been handed over to the police for further investigation.

Safety Concerns and Future Actions

The collapse has raised urgent concerns about the safety of school infrastructure in the area, prompting immediate assessments to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Authorities plan to coordinate inspections and possibly reinforce safety protocols for school-adjacent buildings, particularly those used for gatherings or worship.

“The safety of students is our top priority. No student will be allowed to return until we are fully confident that all school structures are secure,” Prof Davis added.

The incident has reignited discussions on enforcing building codes and monitoring construction near schools, underscoring the need for strict compliance to prevent avoidable disasters.