Ga Mantse Visits Newtown Collapse Site, Consoles Bereaved Families

In a somber display of traditional leadership and solidarity, the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, visited the site of the tragic building collapse in Accra Newtown today.

The visit, which took place amid ongoing clearing of the debris, was aimed at providing spiritual and emotional support to the families of the three deceased victims and the 20 survivors of Sunday’s disaster.

The King’s presence brought a moment of quiet reflection to a community still reeling from the shock of seeing a place of worship turn into a site of mourning.

A Royal Call for Accountability
Walking through the cordoned-off area near the Experimental D/A School, the Ga Mantse expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, particularly during a season meant for religious celebration. However, his message was not just one of consolation; it was a firm call for stricter urban oversight.

"The lives of our people cannot be the price we pay for negligence," the King stated while addressing community elders and local government officials at the site. "While we pray for the souls of the departed, we must also demand that those who supervise our buildings do their jobs with integrity. A house of God should be a sanctuary, not a death-trap."

Support for the Bereaved
The Ga Mantse spent time privately with the families of the three victims who lost their lives when the uncompleted four-storey structure gave way. He offered traditional words of comfort and made a personal donation of relief items and financial support to assist with the funeral arrangements and the medical bills of those still recovering at the 37 Military Hospital.

Traditional Sanctions and Modern Laws
The visit also signalled a shift in how traditional authorities view "makeshift" structures in the capital. The King urged the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to work closely with local Chiefs to identify and flag weak buildings before they reach a point of collapse.

"Our traditional gates are open to the authorities," he added. "If a building is unsafe, it must come down, regardless of who owns it or what purpose it serves."

Community Reaction
Residents of Newtown turned out in large numbers to witness the visit, with many expressing relief that their King had come to stand with them. "His presence shows that we are not forgotten in our pain," said one resident who witnessed the collapse. "We hope his words will push the government to finally take building inspections seriously in this neighbourhood."

As the Engineering Council continues its forensic audit of the site, the Ga Mantse’s visit has turned the tragedy into a national conversation about the sacred duty of protecting human life through better infrastructure.