Former President John Mahama has said the Kintampo Waterfalls accident which killed at least 18 people on Sunday March 19 in the Brong Ahafo Region is a "very sad news".

18 persons have been confirmed dead by Chief Superintendent Desmond Owusu Boampong, Kintampo Police Divisional Commander.

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The accident occurred on Sunday March 19 at about 4PM while tourists were still at the falls. A tree from the top of the waterfalls fell onto the sightseers who were swimming.

Officers from the Ghana Fire Service, the Police and Ambulance Service have arrived at the scene to rescue those who have been trapped in the water by the tree.

Those who have been rescued so far have been rushed to the Kintampo Hospital for treatment.

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Mahama in a tweet described the accident as "tragic".

The former President tweeted "very sad news of tragic deaths at the Kintampo waterfalls. Sincerest condolences to families of the victims."