President John Evans Mills has sent a message of condolence to the President and people of Nigeria on the Dana Airline crash in Lagos on Sunday, which claimed almost 200 lives.

The message, copied to Ghana News Agency said, “Your Excellency and dear brother, I have received with deep personal shock and anguish the news of the Dana Airline crash which occurred on Sunday, 3rd June 2012 in Lagos, with tragic consequences. I am particularly saddened by the high death toll and the loss of property which occurred as a result of the accident.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Ghana and in my own name, I wish to express to you and the people of Nigeria, particularly to the bereaved families, our profound condolences and heartfelt sympathies. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. May I also take the opportunity to wish the injured speedy recovery. Accept your Excellency and dear brother, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

All 153 people on board the Dana Airline aircraft, and an unknown number on the ground were killed when the McDonnell Douglas MD-83 crashed into a printing works and residential buildings in Iju, a busy suburb north of the airport.

Nigeria's Civil Aviation Authority has since grounded all Dana Airlines and suspended their operational license.**