By Bernice Bessey & Pix by Eric Owiredu
Melcom Group of Companies (MGC) has marked a two-year “Memorial Day” Service in honour of the injured and those who lost their lives in collapse of the Achimota Melcom rented building.
The MGC Director of Communication, Godwin Avenorgbor, said with painful memories that the disaster, which occurred on the November 7, 2012, claimed 13 lives and injured 33 others.
He noted that the Group, like the deceased families and loved ones, is suffering the consequences of the disaster to date, adding; “Melcom is losing sales everyday as a result of the disaster.”
Mr. Avenorgbo, on behalf of the MGC Chairman Mr. Bhagwan Khubchandani, noted that though the building, which was housing Melcom Achimota branch, belonged to one Nana Nkansah Boadu Ayeboafo of Kinsafdus Company Limited, the group had managed to settle compensations to affected persons.
He said even though the disaster was a painful experience to recall, the group would re-affirm its commitment to sponsoring at least one child of the departed souls in the tragedy up to tertiary school level.
“We also commit ourselves to continuing to offer scholarships to children of our serving staff who so qualify under the competitive Melcom Education Scholarship Scheme, from primary to tertiary level,” he assured.
As it is no doubt that the disaster has deterred people from patronising Melcom, structure integrity tests have been conducted by structural engineers to ensure that all buildings housing Melcom shops are habitable and safe, he said.
Mr. Avenorgbor, however, questioned what the law enforcement agencies were doing to seek justice for those who were affected, as the building was not owned by Melcom.
He also assured residents of Achimota and its environs that the group will leave no stone unturned to re-establish an Achimota branch of Melcom, but this time round, in a well-tested and habitable building.