Scaffolding collapses on cars at Ridge Hospital after heavy rains

A section of scaffolding at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, popularly known as Ridge Hospital, has collapsed onto several parked vehicles following a heavy rainstorm and strong winds that swept through parts of Accra on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

The collapse is reported to have occurred during ongoing renovation works at the facility, where scaffolding structures had been mounted to support construction activity. The force of the storm is believed to have weakened or destabilised parts of the structure, causing it to give way and crash onto vehicles parked within the hospital premises.

Visuals from the scene show extensive debris scattered across the area, with metal frames, wooden planks, and other construction materials lying on top of several vehicles. Some of the cars appear to have sustained significant damage, including crushed roofs, shattered windshields, and dented bodywork.

Emergency response teams and hospital authorities quickly moved to cordon off the affected section to prevent further danger to staff, patients, and visitors. Efforts are currently underway to clear the debris and secure the remaining structures to avoid any additional collapses.

As of now, it remains unclear whether there were any injuries, although the incident has sparked concern given the location within a busy public health facility. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough assessment to determine whether proper safety measures were in place prior to the incident and whether the construction setup met required standards.

The incident has also raised broader concerns about construction safety and preparedness, particularly during periods of extreme weather. With Accra increasingly experiencing intense rainfall and strong winds, questions are being asked about how infrastructure and temporary structures can be better reinforced to withstand such conditions.

Management of the hospital is yet to issue an official statement, but sources indicate that investigations may be launched to establish the cause of the collapse and assess liability for the damage caused.

Residents and stakeholders are calling for stricter enforcement of safety protocols at construction sites, especially in critical institutions such as hospitals, to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Jacqueline Nana Tutua