The Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Major (Rtd) Dr Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, has confirmed that all persons trapped beneath the collapsed building near the Newtown Experimental D/A School have been successfully retrieved.

The incident occurred on Sunday, March 29, when the structure collapsed while worshippers had gathered on the premises.

The tragedy claimed three lives and left about 20 others injured, raising fresh concerns over building safety standards in parts of Accra.

According to Dr Kuyon, search and rescue operations at the site have officially been concluded, with no victims left under the debris.

He explained that authorities have now transitioned from active rescue efforts to a new phase focused on the safe clearance of debris.

“We have moved from emergency response aimed at saving lives and property to the next phase, which involves clearing the site to allow community activities to resume.

This is a critical stage, and we must ensure that no one interferes with the process in a way that could endanger others,” he said.

Dr Kuyon further disclosed that sniffer dogs were deployed during the rescue mission to confirm that no individuals remained trapped beneath the rubble.

He also commended the swift and coordinated response of the various emergency teams involved in the operation.

Meanwhile, authorities are expected to launch a full-scale investigation to determine the cause of the collapse.