Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has pleaded with rescue officers at the Achimota Melcom disaster scene, to do all they can to minimise the loss of life of those trapped in the debris. The multi-storey ultra modern shopping centre collapsed Wednesday morning, while staff reportedly gathered to pray before business commenced. Some members of the public were also reported to be in the building before the incident occurred. Fifty-Seven survivors have been pulled out alive, while there are five confirmed deaths and some more are feared to be under the debris, as at Thursday morning. Nana Akufo-Addo who was touring the Volta region when the incident occurred, issued a statement to console those affected by the tragedy. Read the full statement below: AKUFO-ADDO CONSOLES VICTIMS OF MELCOM TRAGEDY Whilst touring the Volta Region today, I received word that this morning, the Melcom building in Achimota collapsed with some fatalities already reported and an unknown number of people still trapped inside. There will be time to find the causes of this tragedy, responsible for the loss of life and injury to so many people, but at this time, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to those who have been affected by this tragedy. It is my sincerest prayer that we can minimise the loss of life and that the hardworking men and women of the Ghana Fire Service can conduct a successful search and rescue operation. Let us remain calm and collectively pray for the lives of all those involved in this tragedy as we await more details. ……Signed…… Nana Akufo-Addo 2012 NPP Presidential Candidate