I 'feel sorry' for Accra Mayor – Amarteifio

A former Mayor of Accra Nat Nunoo Amarteifio believes these are trying times for the incumbent mayor Alfred Oko Vanderpuije as floods expose the poor planning of Ghana's capital.

Accra was hit by a deadly flood last Wednesday causing the death of over 150 persons amidst a GOIL filling station explosion at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

The flooding was mainly caused by poor drainage system, choked gutters and siting of illegal structures in waterways.

Speaking at a public forum to discuss how such disasters could be prevented in the future, Amarteifio said: 'I feel sorry for Oko who is carrying all the brunt.'

Vanderpuije is under intense pressure to resign for reportedly admitting that he has failed at post after what appeared to be Ghana's worst tragedy since the May 9, 2001 stadium disaster occurred last Wednesday.

According to Amarteifio, who is also an architect, the public must also be blamed for littering indiscriminately.

However, he noted that the 'AMA is complicit because some of these structures have been given some kind of permit from authorities… I am confident about the future.'

He called on the media to keep authorities on their toes and must not wait until the floods come before putting the spotlight on assemblies.

Ghana is currently observing three days of national mourning for the departed souls following the twin disasters last week.

The John Mahama-led administration has announced a Gh¢50 million relief package for the surviving victims and their families.