Ghana mall owner apologises for fatal building collapse

ACCRA (REUTERS) - The owner of a shopping mall which collapsed in the Ghanaian capital apologised on Friday for the loss of lives but denied accusations he had not obtained authorisation for the building.

At least nine people died when the mall, operated by Indian retailer Melcom Ltd, caved in shortly after opening for business on Wednesday. Some 70 survivors have been rescued and sent to nearby hospitals.

"I am personally distraught - I sincerely regret the loss of lives as a result of the collapse of my building and I ask Ghanaians to forgive me for the death of their children," property owner Boadu Nkansah Ayeboafo told a radio programme.

MR Ayeboafo denied accusations by the city authorities that the building was not authorised.