Residence of Vice-Chancellor hit by lightning

Tarkwa (W/R) March 23, GNA - Lightning hit the residence of Professor Daniel Mireku-Gyimah, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, on Sunday during a heavy downpour. The lightening caused extensive damage to the building but Mrs Beatrice Mireku-Gyimah, wife of the Professor, who was then at home, escaped unhurt.

The asbestos roofing sheets and ceiling were broken into pieces and the glass windows were shattered.

The electrical fittings were also affected. The main electrical switch and meter blasted leaving fragments on the floor. The telephone line was also cut off.

Mrs Mireku-Gyimah said she heard a big explosion and when she came out of the bedroom she saw that the main electrical switch had blasted leaving the fragments on the floor. She said the right windshield of her Opel Omega Saloon car was also shattered.

Mr Anselm Balinne, a Security Officer of the University, who was an eyewitness, told Ghana News Agency that the incident occurred at about 0100 hours on Sunday. He said there was a flash of light and a loud thunder followed by the noise of broken window glasses falling down. The cost of damage was not immediately known. Prof Mireku-Gyimah was appointed the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, on December 1, 2004. 23 March 05