Accra floods: Sonnie Badu sets up relief fund for victims

Ghanaian musician, Sonnie Badu has set up a relief fund for the victims of Wednesday’s flood and fire disaster which saw the death of over 150 residents of Accra, Ghana.

The fund, dubbed Rising Above The Flood-Ghana, is targeted to raise USD 50,000.00 in two weeks and would be managed by Badu’s charity – Sonnie Badu Ministries.

The “reliable” online donation platform, raised $335 22hrs after the singer announced its existence on social media.

Many are reaching out to the victims and the government of Ghana has declared three days of national mourning in what is believed to be the worst disaster to hit the West Africa nation since the May 9, 2001 stadium disaster.

Meanwhile, former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, has offered a message of condolence to the bereaved family members after Wednesday’s fuel station explosion.

“My thoughts are with the victims of the explosion in Accra and their loved ones. May they rest in peace,” the Ghanaian-born diplomat wrote on his Facebook wall.

Pope Francis, in a terse message sent through the Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, committed the souls of the departed to Almighty God and invoked the “divine gifts of consolation and strength upon those who mourn and upon all who have been affected by this tragedy.”

Many African leaders including Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbe and recently sworn-in president of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari have also reached out to the nation, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives.

Gnassingbe joined President Mahama on Friday to visit some of the worst affected areas whilst Buhari described the incident as “painful and regrettable.”

Senegal and Cote d’lvoire have presented relief and medical consignments to government.

The police and military have cordoned off the fire disaster zone while investigation into the tragedy proceeds.

The Fire Service said its preliminary investigations reveal that loose valves at the GOIL station sparked the fire.

Meanwhile, government has announced a GHc50 million relief package for the victims.