President Mahama orders 24-hour search on collapsed Melcom Shopping Mall

Accra, Nov. 7, GNA - President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday ordered a 24-hour search and rescue operation to save the lives of people trapped in the collapsed building that housed the Melcom Shopping centre at Achimota in Accra.

President Mahama, who suspended his Election 2012 Campaign tour of the Upper East Region and returned to Accra, said every effort should be made to save the lives of those still trapped under the rubble.

"Every minute means much to somebody's life. Let us work in a 24-hour cycle," he said, when he visited the site of the accident.

President Mahama however warned that whoever was responsible for the negligence that had caused the disaster would pay the price.

He was in the company government officials including Brigadier General Martin Ahiaglo, Commander Southern Sector of the Ghana Armed Forces, Mr Alfred Okoe Vanderpuye, Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kofi Porturphy, National Co-ordinator of National Disaster Management Organisation.

Rescue workers say 38 people have been rescued while three people have died.

GNA