Melcom Owner Denies No-Permit Allegations

The owner of the Melcom collapsed building, Nana Kwesi Buadu, has expressed worry over the tragic disaster and promised to cooperate with the Police Service to assist in investigations. He however denied claims that the building had no permit and was rife with structural defects which eyewitnesses believe led to the disaster. He explained the structure was raised under safe conditions and initial introspection before the lease of the building to Melcom officials showed no signs of collapse. Speaking on Peace FM’s “Kokrooko” show on Friday, Nana Kwesi Buadu,who is also chief of Kumasi Nsima, said he has evidence to corroborate his claim that the building was given permit. The five-storey Melcom shopping centre was razed to dust trapping several workers and shoppers on the site at the time of the disaster. Over 70 victims have been rescued and rushed to the 37 Military hospital, Police hospital and Korle-Bu hospital for immediate attention. 14 persons including a pregnant woman are reportedly dead. Contrary to the Melcom owner’s declaration, Accra Mayor, Alfred Vanderpuiye, who visited the site said a building permit was not issued to authorize the construction of the Melcom ultra-modern facility. He added the owner will be strictly dealt with according to law. Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw