Former President Jerry John Rawlings has commended the security services for the professional and swift manner they responded to the search and rescue mission after the collapse of the Achimota branch of Melcom store.
He said the efficient and effective mode with which they carried out that operation ensured that many of the victims survived the disaster, lauding the deep sense of patriotism that marked the rescue mission.
Former President Rawlings made the commendation on Wednesday when he presented an assortment of items valued at GH¢6000 to victims of the disaster at the 37 Milittary Hospital in Accra.
He noted that the expertise that characterized the mission was admirable that even the Isreali assistance team that came to Ghana left ahead of time because of the competence displayed by "our forces".
Flt Lt. Rawlings, who was accompanied by his daughter, Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings and Ms. Slyvia Ahorlu, General Secretary of the 31st December Women's Movement, who represented Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, also visited the Accident and Truama Unit of the Hospital, where eight of the victims are still on admission.
He wished the victims speedy recovery and expressed condolence to the families of those who lost thier lives in the disaster.
Brigadier General Paul Kponyoh, Commander of the Hospital thanked the former President for the gesture and said he was confident that the eight victims would recover soon.
The Defence Minister, Lt. Gen. Joseph Smith and the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Augustine Blay attended the event.
Items presented included bags of sugar, and rice, cartoons of Milo and Milo drink, gallons of cooking oil, boxes of mineral water, milk and biscuits.