Church building collapse: Death toll now 22

The number of persons who have died from the collapse of a Church building at Akyem Batabi in Eastern Region, have reached 22.

Rescue workers combed through the rubble overnight as they search for about 60 worshipers believed to have been praying in the building at the time of its collapse on Tuesday.

Whilst families of people trapped in the collapse rubble wait anxiously for news of their loved ones, hopes are gradually fading as strong stench begins to emanate from the rubble.

As of Thursday, more bodies had been recovered from a previous nine deaths bringing the total number of deaths to 15.

Eight others have been hospitalised and many more trapped under the rubble.

Out of the eight people who are alive, six of them have been treated and discharged from the Oda Government Hospital while one of them is on admission at the same health facility while the other survivor has been transferred to St. Dominic Hospital at Akwatia for intensive health care.

 The Director of Inspectorate at the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) Headquarters in Accra, Mr. Richard Amo Yartey disclosed this at a press conference at Akyem Batabi on Thursday.

The six-storey building collapsed whilst worshipers numbering about 60 had gathered to pray on Tuesday.

However, the exact number of persons still trapped under the debris is still unconfirmed.  

Meanwhile, the founder of the Church of Prosperity, Prophet Akoa Isaac, who was arrested by the Akim Oda Divisional Police Command has been given a self recognisance bail.