A solemn ceremony to remember the 153 Ghanaians who died in a twin flood and fire disaster on June 3, 2015, was held at the Rev. Ernest Bruce Memorial Methodist Church at Adabraka in Accra near the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, the epicentre of the disaster.

President John Mahama (M)

President John Mahama, ministers of state and other dignitaries have all converged for the first anniversary of the June 3 events which shook the nation to its core and brought pain and tears to many.

Prayers were said, interspersed by solemn Methodist Hymns sung by sad faces and sunk voices of the many who lost relatives in the disaster.

Many are those who are still grappling with the losses they suffered and must be taking solace in the comforting hymns a year on.

Chief Fire Officer, Dr Albert Brown Gaisie

The Chief Executive Officer of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Alfred Oko Vanderpuije was at the memorial service. He said the nation's capital is in a better position than it was when the June 3, 2015 disaster struck.

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The Rev'd Ernest Bruce Memorial Methodist Church is solemn inside but bustling with activity outside as security forces coordinate protocol.

A long stretch of canopies hold those who would have otherwise had no place to sit in the packed auditorium. The Reverend minister is stressing that there is accountability for everything a man does, even how he treats animals. He gives a verse of scripture to back what would be a frightening scenario.

He says the tragedy must remind Ghanaians that God is in charge of the universe. Indiscriminate littering and living in unsanitary conditions is as much a breach of the law as it is an affront to God. He says Ghanaians should, therefore, hold each other accountable for their actions.

He pointed out that "development of any kind without moral responsibility is irresponsibility". Reverend Fred Dogbe is invited to say a prayer and one-minute silence is held to remember the victims.

AMA boss Oko Vanderpuye criticised during the crisis is reporting on the lessons learnt since the disaster. He says the lessons are a lot.

Some 108 families who were affected by the flood and fire disaster have been taken care off. "We still have bodies that are yet to be identified". He says government also footed the medical bills of all who were hospitalized.

He says about 45% of the Korle Lagoon and Odaw river have been dredged.  He says there has been “massive” clean-up exercises around Kwame Nkrumah Circle, the area most affected by the disaster.

Wreaths were laid

Wreaths were laid