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Ghanaians will on Monday, June 8, begin a 3-day national mourning for victims of last Wednesday’s flood and fire disaster thought to have claimed over 150 lives in the capital, Accra.

All flags have been asked to fly at half mast across the country while citizens are being encouraged to wear black clothes or red armbands for the three-day period to mourn with the families of the victims of the disaster.

A national memorial service will also be held on Wednesday, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Minister of Communications, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah.

President Mahama announced the 3 days of national mourning in an address after a national crisis meeting of the National Security Council.

“The 3 days of mourning will end on Wednesday June 10 with a memorial service for the departed near the site of the fire disaster at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle to be attended by President John Dramani Mahama”, the statement said and added, “As we go about our work and other duties during the 3 days, let us remember the victims and pray for their souls and pray for strength and comfort for their families and friends.”

The government, the statement noted, has taken responsibility for the hospital bills of all victims of the flood and fire disaster as directed by the President. In addition, water, food and non-food items have been distributed to affected persons and communities.

The food items include bags of rice, gallons of cooking oil, canned fish, tins of milk, sugar, tea bags, tomato paste, noodles among others. The non-food items distributed include blankets, mattresses, mosquito nets, mosquito coils, clothing, buckets, bowls and basins.

Government commended the individuals and corporate organisations that have provided various forms of support to help with the relief efforts.

It encouraged persons and organisations with donations to send them to the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, near the Teachers Hall in Accra.