Ghana observes first anniversary of flood, fire disaster

Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama led a wreath-laying ceremony in the capital on Friday to observe the first anniversary of last year's flood and fire disasters in Accra.

The solemn ceremony which took place at the disaster zone was attended by state officials, Members of Parliament, families of the affected people.

More than 150 people were killed following an explosion at a fuel station in downtown Accra after several hours of heavy downpour which also flooded most areas of the capital on June 3, 2015.

Many victims were taking shelter at the station from days of torrential rains that triggered widespread flooding and paralyzed public transport on the evening of that day.

Some of the victims were said to have drowned in the floods while others died from severe burns from the raging fire.

President Mahama laid a wreath in honor of the departed after the memorial church service.

Meanwhile, city authorities are appealing to the public to help retrieve some bodies from the tragedy that are yet to be identified by their families a year after the incident. Endit