Renowned economist Sydney Casely-Hayford has asked Ghanaians who have built on water ways not to allow city authorities demolish their homes in the wake of the flood and fire disasters that have afflicted the nation.

About 150 people have been confirmed dead following an explosion at a GOIL fuel station after several hours of a heavy downpour which also flooded the capital Wednesday evening.

President Mahama has declared three days of national mourning for the victims beginning Monday. The Ghana national flag will fly at half-mast during the mourning period.

Commenting on the development on Citi FM Saturday, Casely-Hayford said people in authority must take direct blame for the disaster.

“I am urging Ghanaians not to allow anybody pull down their homes because of what has happened. They must resist attempts to demolish their homes.

“It was the responsibility of people in direct administration of the state to ensure that people did not build at wrong places, in the first place. It is their responsibility to have ensured that the right thing was done and not to wait until this disaster happened," he stated.