Ghana government allocates GH¢50m to tackle outcome of torrential rains

The Ghana government has allocated an amount GH¢50 million to tackle the outcome of the rains last Wednesday and filling station fire that killed about 150 people in the capital, Accra.

President John Mahama made the announcement after a post-national crisis briefing Thursday June 4, 2015 at the Presidency.

Torrential rains measuring 269.2 millimetres that fell from Wednesday June 3, 2015 around 5pm to the early hours of Thursday flooded many areas in Accra and some surrounding areas. During the rains a filling station at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle caught fire and exploded killing hundreds who have sought shelter there and burned down buildings and other adjoining structures killing several more people.

The president also announced three days of national mourning and asked that the national flag flies at half mast.

The GH¢50 million he said, would be used to cover relief and humanitarian operations, repair of damaged public infrastructure, and desilting and clearing of waterways.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi