<<Print>>

The seat of government has held a short ceremony to officially commence a three-day national mourning in remembrance of the people who lost their lives in last Wednesday’s flood and fire disaster.

The national flag is also flying at half-mast.

The short formality was led by Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, and had in attendance some state officials – the mourning will end on Wednesday June 10.

The veep gave the assurance that government will support the victims and ensure that measures are put in place to avert another such occurrence.

He further indicated that government will take care of the medical bills of victims affected by Wednesday’s floods and explosion at a GOIL filling station.

“This is a tragedy that affects everyone and as a sign of our common humanity, the government has decided underwrite the medical bills of those injured in the disaster and are in the hospital...We are all saddened by the horrendous experience of victims …Many Ghanaians and probably some other nationals of neighbouring countries have lost their lives in the most painful and heartbreaking manner,” the Vice President said.

Ghana recorded its deadliest flood disaster last Wednesday, June 3, when the city got flooded and a fire explosion occurred at the Goil filling station near Kwame Nkrumah circle.

As of last Friday, 150 dead bodies had been found. At the close of the search and rescue efforts which ended at 6 p.m. yesterday, 10 more bodies had been found.

The President, addressing the press last Thursday evening after a national crisis and emergency meeting at the Flagstaff House, said the government had allocated GHtf50 million to cover relief and humanitarian operations, detailing and clearing of water courses and repair of infrastructure.