Accra floods: President Mahama declares three days of mourning
President John Mahama has declared three days of mourning in honour of over 100 people who died in a combined Accra floods and a deadly fire Wednesday, which devastated a Goil filling station at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra.
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There are reports that the death toll from the twin disaster is approaching 200, and Graphic Online is working hard to confirm or refute that figure in the coming hours.
Speaking to the media after an emergency security meeting held at the Flagstaff House Thursday, President Mahama also announced the GH₵60 million would be made available to offer relief to the families of the victims.
Accra is a scene of devastation following the floods, which were occasioned by torrential rains.
Apart from the loss of lives, properties worth tens of millions of cedis have been destroyed.
Scenes of floating vehicles in drains and overnight pools greet the eye in several parts of Accra.
In what typifies how widespread Wednesday’s devastation was, respected businessman and the Founder of the Progressive People's Party (PP), Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, revealed that his private businesses had been affected, leading to the loss of valuable investment.
“Following floods in Accra last year, some of my businesses lost valuable, expensive equipment and stock meant for sale. We built new drainage systems, built new walls, fortified our warehouse, etc. Once again, due to the recent rains, all our individual investment have gone to waste because the water way near us at Avenor burst its banks," he said.
