Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 5 June 2015: The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, sympathises with the families of victims, the government and the people of Ghana for the tragic fire that engulfed a petrol station where many people had sought shelter from the torrential rains that - hit the country. Over 200 people are reported dead, many of whom were commuters trying to escape the downpour.

The AU Commission Chairperson acknowledges the efforts of the government through the police force, the fire brigade and the National Disaster Management Organization in offering emergency services and helping families of the victims. The authorities are recovering bodies from the scene at the filling station north of Accra city center and bringing the site of the accident under control.

Ghana's capital and its surroundings are often hit by heavy rain and flooding around the months of June and July. The city is trying to contain the problems caused by the flooding including emptying drains for the past month to stop them from overflowing.

The AU Commission Chairperson calls upon the national and international community to provide support as needed to overcome hardships that may have been caused by the fire accident and flooding throughout the country.

Jacob Enoh Eben
Spokesperson of AUC Chairperson