‘They sacked me like a goat’ – Henry Quartey decries alleged mistreatment during Newtown building collapse response

Former Greater Accra Minister Henry Quartey has expressed deep disappointment over what he described as political interference while attempting to comfort victims of the Newtown school building collapse in Accra.

Speaking at the scene, Mr. Quartey, who had rushed to the collapsed Accra Experimental Basic School to offer support, lamented the treatment he received from authorities during a time of tragedy.

“I am sad, they sacked me like a goat,” he said, recounting how he was reportedly prevented from assisting victims and removed from the collapse site.

“A constituent has lost a child, and I am here to provide comfort, yet they treat me with disrespect. This tragedy has befallen all of us, and they want to turn it into politics. It is disgraceful,” he lamented.

Mr. Quartey, who has previously served as Interior Minister, criticised the handling of the incident, claiming that national security personnel, police, and soldiers present at the scene acted inappropriately.

He urged for unity during such emergencies, advising that political differences should not impede relief efforts.

“When I was an MP, whenever a disaster occurred, both NPP and NDC leaders would liaise and unite to provide relief. But now, I am sacked while trying to support my constituents. It is very bad for the democracy of this country,” he stated.

The former minister’s remarks come amid ongoing rescue operations at the Newtown site, where an uncompleted GETFund school building collapsed, leaving several people trapped and injured.

Authorities, including the Ghana National Fire Service, National Ambulance Service, police, and NADMO, continue to coordinate efforts to recover victims and provide medical assistance.

Residents and bystanders have joined rescue teams in excavating debris, as officials work to stabilize the site and prevent further incidents.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.