6 horrific events that rocked Ghana to its foundation

Throughout its history, Ghana has been the victim of numerous disasters. Ghana recorded a number of disasters between 2001 and 2023, including storms, floods, and accidents. Due to the dense population and accumulation of material and financial resources in cities, a single mishap might have disastrous consequences and undo years of progress. The location, timing, and primary victims of disasters are being shaped by the growing urbanization. Importantly, data indicates that the government has not implemented regulations to prevent future disasters based on the lessons learned from previous disasters. Among the more prominent ones include the fire and explosions that occurred at the Accra Sports Stadium, the recent Akosombo dam leak, and the collapse of an Accra Melcom shopping center. Disaster at Accra Sports Stadium On May 9, 2001, the Accra Sports Stadium catastrophe happened at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra. It resulted in 126 deaths. Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, Ghana's two most successful football teams, faced off on that particular day. Authorities had increased security as they expected crowd unrest. Disappointed Kotoko supporters threw plastic seats and bottles onto the field after Accra scored two goals in the closing minutes and the referee signaled a 2–1 victory. In response, the cops fired tear gas into the throng. As fans attempted to flee, chaos and a stampede broke out. The stadium's poor design resulted in a bottleneck with fewer exits than intended, and the gates were locked. Following the one-hour experience, it was discovered that 10 fans had died from trauma and 116 had perished from compressive asphyxia. Accra Sports Stadium disaster June 3, 2015: The mishap People and cars were there when a GOIL gas station close to Kwame Nkrumah Interchange caught fire on June 3, 2015. 2015's Accra floods were caused by Accra's prolonged, intense rains. Due to flooded marketplaces and detained workers, the floods caused high traffic on the roads and also stopped commercial activity. There were around 200 suspected deaths, and the 37 Military Hospital received the bodies. Later, the hospital said that it could not accommodate any more bodies. June 3 fire and flood disaster Explosion of atomic junction gas The explosion of a nearby gas station resulted in the burning of two filling stations at Atomic Junction. On October 6, 2017, there was a catastrophic gas explosion that left Accra in complete despair. There were some fatalities and serious injuries from the gas explosion at the Madina Atomic Junction. Authorities acknowledged that casualties were caused by the massive explosions close to the major intersection in northeast Accra, which scared off terrified locals. A massive fireball was shot into the sky above the eastern region of Accra by the explosions, sending many terrified inhabitants running from their houses. According to the police, the explosions took place in Legon's Atomic Junction crossroads. According to a statement from the Ministry of Information, 132 people had been hurt and seven people had died. After receiving treatment, about half of them were already released. Fearful locals were forced to evacuate after the explosion, which started at a state-owned GOIL liquefied natural gas station, spread to a Total gas station across the street. The Madina Atomic Junction gas explosion on Saturday night resulted in the confirmed deaths of over three persons and some badly injured others. The 37 Military Hospital confirmed the deaths. Atomic Junction gas explosion Massive detonation near Apiate An terrible accident occurred at Apiate in the Bogoso District of the Western Region when a motorcycle collided with an explosives-carrying vehicle, resulting in at least 13 reported deaths. On Thursday, January 20, 2022, a van carrying explosives from Kumasi to a nearby mining site burst, causing a massive explosion calamity. A further fifty-nine persons were injured in varying degrees by the explosion. The majority of the wounded have been saved and are being treated at different clinics and hospitals. Apiate explosion Melcom retail center collapses The unfavorable event that befell our nation on Wednesday, November 7, 2012, was the collapse of the five-story Achimota Melcom Shopping Center, which left numerous people injured and caused property damage. The cascading effects of this catastrophe are difficult to put into words. As a conflict over who owned the building threatens to shadow the accident, at least nine people have been confirmed dead and 69 others have been rescued from the wreckage of a building that collapsed in Accra. It was alleged that the structure, which housed Melcom's retail store, lacked the necessary structural integrity and the appropriate permissions. Melcom shopping mall collapse Akosombo dam spillage flood A flood known as the Akosombo Dam spill happened in Ghana's southeast. This is because the Volta River Authority (VRA) intentionally released water from the Akosombo Dam and the Kpong Dam to combat rising water levels. September 15, 2023, was the commencement date of the spilling exercise. On October 9, 2023, this was raised because the water level is still rising. 8,000 people were forced to relocate as a result of the spill, with Mepe being the most severely affected of the eight communities along the Volta River downstream. Since then, the number has grown to 31,000 as of October 19, 2023. The floods affected seven district lines. The Eastern, Volta, and Greater Accra areas saw damage to homes, farms, and other properties. Among the hardest-hit districts are Shai Osudoku, Anlo, Ada East, North Tongu, South Tongu, Central Tongu, and Asuogyaman. In communities including Tefle, Wume, Sokpoe, Alikekope, Agorme, and Agbave, among others, a large number of dwellings have been submerged by the surging floodwaters. Among the notable lodging establishments impacted by the flooding are Villa Cisneros, Holy Trinity Spa and Health Farm, and Sogakope Beach Resort and Spa. From the NU, at least 25 nurses were evacuated. Over 31,000 residents of Mepe were forced to flee their homes due to the catastrophic flooding caused by the Akosombo Dam leak. Akosombo dam spillage Other stories The most powerful Black person in the United Kingdom is Edward Enninful. Otumfuo attacks will spark a generational conflict that will outlast you, according to Okatakyie Afrifa explosions. Mother Hene Growing bigger while sitting in a bucket—is that true? 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