Tragedy Strikes Cape Coast Again As Another Building Collapses; One Dead, One Injured

Cape Coast has been hit by yet another building collapse, claiming the life of a 74-year-old woman and leaving a young man hospitalized. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Amisakyir Idun, a suburb of the historic city.

According to reports, the victims were trapped under the rubble around 2 a.m. It took the combined efforts of local residents and emergency services, including the Ghana National Fire Service, NADMO, and the police, to rescue the individuals. The elderly woman was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital, while the second victim is currently receiving treatment.

Cape Coast Mayor George Justice Arthur confirmed the incident and announced that immediate support, including relief items and shelter, will be provided to the affected victims. He further disclosed plans to demolish all dilapidated structures along the Amisakyir Idun stretch in consultation with NADMO and property owners.

“The building as it collapsed, I have actually ordered that this building must also be demolished… All these buildings are affected, and so we are going to demolish all of them,” he told TV3.

This latest incident comes just days after another building collapse in the city on June 21, which resulted in two deaths and left three others injured. The recurrence of such tragedies has sparked public concern over building safety and the city’s infrastructure.

Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South, George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, expressed caution about the widespread demolition of old buildings, stressing the importance of preserving the city’s architectural heritage.

“These are ancient buildings that form part of the city’s identity. We must maintain and preserve them because of their historical value,” he said.

Mayor Arthur acknowledged the heritage concerns and indicated that discussions are ongoing with property owners to identify which buildings can be preserved and which should be removed to prevent further tragedies.

Although a demolition exercise had previously begun, it is currently on hold. The latest incidents have reignited urgent calls for stricter enforcement of building regulations in Cape Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its colonial architecture and national monuments.