Tragic Building Collapse in Cape Coast Claims Lives of Two Sisters Following Heavy Rainfall

A tragic building collapse in the Gyagyaano community of Cape Coast has resulted in the deaths of two sisters, following a period of intense rainfall in the Central Region. The victims, identified as 12-year-old Anastasia Abakah and 40-year-old Adwoa Baduwa, were among four people trapped when their single-room structure gave way in the early hours of Sunday, June 21. While emergency responders managed to extricate all occupants from the rubble, the two sisters unfortunately succumbed to their injuries after being rushed to the hospital.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) reported receiving a distress call at approximately 04:54 am. Personnel arrived promptly at the scene and launched a joint rescue operation with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO). Within about an hour, the teams successfully rescued a couple who were also trapped inside the building. While the couple sustained various degrees of injury and are receiving treatment at the Ewim Polyclinic, the rescue of the two sisters ended in heartbreak as they were later confirmed dead by medical authorities.

Preliminary investigations by the GNFS suggest that the building's structural integrity had been severely compromised by the ongoing heavy rains, leading to its sudden collapse. The incident has sparked significant concern among local residents regarding the safety of older residential properties in the area. Authorities have noted that many structures in the Gyagyaano enclave are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, highlighting an urgent need for structural assessments to prevent further loss of life during the current rainy season.

In the wake of the disaster, the Ghana National Fire Service and NADMO have issued a stern advisory to the public, particularly those living in dilapidated or weakened buildings. Residents are being urged to proactively seek professional assessments of their homes and to evacuate immediately if any signs of structural failure are detected. As the rainy season continues, emergency services remain on high alert and have called on the community to report high-risk buildings to local authorities to facilitate timely interventions.