The Engineering Council of Ghana has conducted preliminary investigations into the recent collapse of a three-storey building in the Adentan Municipality, which revealed that the owner of the building constructed an extra storey without a permit.
The team from the Council visited the site of the disaster on Friday, and found that the approved permit for the building was two-storey, but the owner added a third storey without permission.
The Registrar of the Council, Mr Wise Ametefe, said that detailed investigations into the cause of the collapse would begin on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
The tragedy resulted in one person losing their life and occurred shortly after a similar three-storey building collapsed in Madina, Greater Accra Region, causing one fatality and injuring three others.
The Council has directed workers not to disturb the rubble at the site of the collapse to facilitate smooth investigations.
Mr Ametefe explained that the Council would test the foundation, concrete, and reinforcement of the building to determine if there was any foul play.
If the investigation determines that the owner violated regulations, possible sanctions would be considered.
The Engineering Council of Ghana operates under the Ministry of Works and Housing and regulates the engineering practice while ensuring that the highest professional standards are maintained.
SOURCE: ISD, ADENTAN
