The Chairman, Directors, Management and Staff of Melcom Group of Companies have deeply expressed regret about the tragic incident that occurred at about 9:45 am on Wednesday, November 7, 2012.

The management said in a press release: "Our priority concern has been to continuously work with the Government Agencies and Task Forces, to rescue as many lives as possible".

The statement continued: "We pray and hope to save many lives and care for all survivors. Evacuated employees, customers and bystanders that were directly affected by this incident have been taken to various hospitals."

We plead with relatives to exercise patience and keep hope alive. Relatives who have not yet had any contact with family members can get in touch with us on these hotline numbers for assistance and further information: 0263008194, 0544336734, 0544336746, the press release stated.

Management is doing whatever it can to assist these unfortunate staff and will ensure that the necessary treatments are given to them.

As of late night, there is one confirmed casualty and 54 people sent to Achimota District Hospital, 37 Military Hospital, Police Hospital and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Many victims have been rescued from the site, according to Melcom Group.

Meanwhile, the Chairman and Managing Director have visited all the various hospitals to meet, console and encourage the employees and the public who were affected.

Selected senior staff have been directed to be available at the various hospitals to provide further necessary assistance.

Melcom at this point cannot confirm the actual background of all the rescued persons, but majority of them are staff members.

Our special thanks go to His Excellency John Mahama, the President of The Republic of Ghana, Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, the Vice President, Hannah Tetteh, the Honourable Minister of Industry and Trade, Alfred Oko Vanderpuiye, the Mayor of Accra and other political and traditional leaders, who have shown concern and support during this difficult situation, the statement indicated.

The company also expressed appreciation to various media houses who were able to send out the SOS quickly, which allowed the emergency response teams to react promptly.

The statement thanked all the organizations who have assisted so far, including the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Police, AMA, NADMO, National Ambulance Service, Ghana Red Cross, Zoomlion Limited and other Private Construction companies who have come forth with heavy equipment and specialized man power skills to conduct this search and rescue operation.

The Melcom Group finally thanked the general public for their support and prayers during this difficult time. The search and rescue efforts are continuing late into the night.