Devtraco Plus Denies Structural Collapse at Roman Ridge Site, Pledges Full Safety Review

Ghanaian real estate company Devtraco Plus has firmly rejected media reports alleging a structural collapse at one of its construction sites in Roman Ridge, Accra, clarifying that the event was a localized formwork failure that occurred during a concrete casting exercise.

In a statement released on Tuesday, October 28, the company explained that the incident was contained and did not compromise the integrity of the building under construction. The clarification followed widespread social media reports suggesting a collapse at the luxury residential site, sparking public concern about construction safety in the capital.

According to Devtraco Plus, the issue occurred when a temporary formwork prop — a supporting frame used to hold fresh concrete — gave way during a routine slab casting. The affected area was estimated at about 50 square meters of wet concrete.

“The localized section of temporary formwork supporting freshly poured concrete failed, leading to a collapse of the wet mixture,” the company stated. It emphasized that this was not a structural failure of the building itself but a temporary mishap involving the supporting equipment.

Formwork systems are standard in high-rise construction and are typically removed once concrete hardens. Experts note that such failures, while not uncommon in the construction industry, must be investigated thoroughly to ensure safety protocols were followed.

Devtraco Plus said its project management and safety teams immediately activated emergency procedures when the incident occurred. Fourteen construction workers sustained minor to moderate injuries and were promptly taken to the 37 Military Hospital and Ridge Hospital for medical care.

The company confirmed that 12 of the injured workers had been treated and discharged, while two others remained under medical observation in stable condition as of Tuesday evening.

“Our first concern was for the safety and well-being of everyone on site,” the statement noted. “All affected individuals received prompt medical attention, and their conditions continue to improve.”

The site has since been secured and restricted, with safety personnel conducting an internal review alongside project consultants and contractors.

Addressing concerns about the stability of the structure, Devtraco Plus stressed that the permanent components of the building remain unaffected.

“The incident was limited solely to temporary works (formwork props) used to support the slab during the casting process. The permanent structure’s integrity remains fully intact,” the firm stated.

All ongoing works, the company added, are being carried out in strict accordance with approved designs and engineering standards, prepared and supervised by certified professionals. Devtraco Plus reiterated its commitment to quality, professionalism, and safety, noting that all its projects are reviewed by licensed consultants and architects in line with Ghana’s building codes.

Following the incident, Devtraco Plus initiated a joint investigation with its project consultants, contractors, and safety officers to establish the root cause of the failure. The inquiry will also focus on reinforcing site protocols and updating safety procedures before work resumes on the affected section.

“Every construction site carries inherent risks, but it is our duty to ensure that every lesson learned strengthens future safety measures,” a company spokesperson said.

The firm assured clients and the public that it would share findings from the investigation once complete and that remedial measures would be implemented immediately to prevent recurrence.

The incident has reignited public discussion about construction safety standards in Ghana’s fast-expanding real estate industry. With Accra’s skyline rapidly transforming due to increased investment in luxury housing, commercial towers, and mixed-use developments, construction oversight has become a growing concern among regulators and professionals.

According to data from the Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE), site-related incidents have declined over the past five years, but many experts argue that enforcement remains inconsistent. Some smaller contractors still operate without certified safety officers or regular inspections, increasing the likelihood of avoidable accidents.

In 2023, for example, a similar scaffolding incident was reported in East Legon, though it did not result in major injuries. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) have since emphasized the need for continuous training and adherence to occupational safety standards, particularly in multi-storey projects.

Devtraco Plus’ Safety Record and Market Standing

Devtraco Plus, a subsidiary of the Devtraco Group, is among Ghana’s leading property developers, known for premium residential and commercial projects in Accra’s upscale neighbourhoods such as Cantonments, Airport Residential, and Roman Ridge.

The firm has received multiple awards for design and project delivery, including recognition for maintaining international construction benchmarks. Industry analysts say the company’s reputation for quality likely prompted its swift response to dispel misinformation surrounding the incident.

By addressing the situation transparently and providing medical care to affected workers, Devtraco Plus aims to preserve public confidence in its brand and Ghana’s broader real estate sector.

Ghana’s construction industry contributes an estimated 14% to the country’s GDP, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), and employs hundreds of thousands of workers across both formal and informal settings. Maintaining safety on sites is therefore not just a corporate issue but an economic and public welfare concern.

Analysts say the Roman Ridge incident serves as a timely reminder for developers and regulators to ensure that growth in the sector is matched by investment in safety training, regular audits, and quality assurance.

While Devtraco Plus’ clarification helps dispel rumours of a building collapse, the event underscores the importance of transparency and safety vigilance in Ghana’s booming construction landscape.

As the company’s internal investigation continues, stakeholders are watching closely to see how lessons from this incident will inform industry practices. For now, the developer insists that the affected project remains structurally sound — and that worker safety remains its foremost priority.

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