We are tired of talking - Circle June 3 survivors
TEN years after the June 3 disaster of flooding and fire that claimed over 150 lives at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, some survivors and witnesses say they are tired of talking about it. According to them, over the past decade, journalists, officials and organisations had returned to the scene or invited them countless times to interview them, but nothing had changed.
The Circle Interchange still floods anytime it rains, no meaningful compensation has been paid and no one has been held responsible for the tragedy.
“We have spoken saaa. Every day interview. Unless you or the government is bringing money or helping me pay the GH¢15,700 loan I took to replace the engine of my Sprinter vehicle, then I’m not talking. You kraa, I know if not for the memorial tomorrow, you wouldn’t even be here,” a driver, Paa Yaw Obuasi, told The Mirror when this reporter visited the area on June 2, 2025.
Another survivor, Mr Kofi Daniel, who sells floor carpets a few metres away, shared a similar frustration.
“When you go, tell them we are tired of talking. Every year you people come here and ask the same questions. We lost friends, family and property. Our cars were burnt to ashes. We had to rebuild from nothing. What has the government done for us? You yourself, what will you do for us?”
Mental and emotional drain
For many survivors, recounting the June 3 disaster every year has been emotionally draining and mentally exhausting.
A survivor and leader of the June 3 Flood and Fire Victims Association, Thomas Sakyi, said he still struggles with what he believes is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He sustained burns on his arms and shoulders during the incident
“I lost Solo (my brother, best friend, eating partner) in that fire. We were both drivers on our way to Accra to carry goods. I still feel the weight on my shoulders. My heart is heavy. I can’t even bring myself to enter the GOIL Filling Station where it happened. Whenever I pass by, I close my eyes. I don’t want to see it,” he said.
He added that it is difficult to relive the memories every year. “I always try to laugh and joke around because I don’t want to remember. This is the first time I’m saying this: I lost both of my parents shortly after the incident. My mother saw me in the hospital, collapsed and died a few days later,” he recalled.
Mr Sakyi explained that the emotional toll was why he initially ignored our reporter during the visit and continued to call out for passengers while cracking jokes with his colleagues.
Even when his fellow survivors were invited to talk on radio or TV about the disaster, Mr Sakyi said he chose not to participate.
A lottery kiosk operator, Yaw Dapaah, who said he helped save a number of lives that night, also recalled the trauma.
“I carried people on my back to safety. Some of the people here today were saved by me. It was a terrible experience. We’ve spoken about it so many times, but the government still hasn’t done much to stop something like this from happening again,” he said.
No real support after 10 years
According to some of the survivors, years of talking had brought little to no compensation. “Back when the incident was still fresh, a few of us received some cash or donations in kind, but the majority got nothing. Our vehicles and goods were destroyed and we were left to sort ourselves out.
Some had to take loans or sleep in the vehicles of friends or stalls just to survive,” said a second-hand shoe seller, Koo Appiah.
No justice, no accountability
On the issue of justice and accountability, the survivors said after 10 years, nothing meaningful had come out of the many promises. Mr Daniel said no individual or organisation had been held responsible for the disaster.
“We still don’t know exactly what or who caused the fire. No one has been punished, yet every year they come here to talk to us. All the speeches and promises have led nowhere,” he added.
Recalling what might have triggered the fire, Mr Sakyi said he suspected it started when staff at the GOIL Filling Station were offloading fuel while the area was flooded.
“Some of the fuel spilled and mixed with the floodwater. We then saw a fire start from a building up the hill. Before we could process it, the fire was rushing down toward us. People started shouting ‘fire, fire!’ and the rest is history,” he recounted.
Mr Sakyi added that despite repeatedly sharing this account over the years, there had been no official action or investigation with clear results.
“At this point, if no proper solution or compensation is coming, it’s better we put the whole thing to rest,” he said and explained that the emotional trauma was only part of the burden. He says it made more sense to stay at the bus station where he works as a driver and ticket sales agent than to spend time giving interviews.
“When media houses or organisations invite us, we use our own transport money, sit there for hours and leave with nothing. They won’t even give you TnT. But if I stay here and work, I’ll get something small, GH¢1 or GH¢2 at least,” he said.
He also mentioned another victim, Kasim Suraj, who travels from Kasoa to the 37 Military Hospital for regular medical reviews and sometimes to attend interviews.
“From Kasoa to here koraa is how much? Then you go and talk plenty and return with nothing. Right now, what we need is action, real support in the form of jobs and opportunities from government, churches, the public and well-meaning organisations. The talking is enough,” he stressed.
Expected change
For many survivors who are still physically able, what they want most is employment, not just handouts.
"Money is good, but you spend it and it's gone. A job will sustain us for life. Since we formed our association in 2015, we've saved part of the donations we received as welfare for members, but it's not enough," said Mr Sakyi.
He added that the tragedy occurred during former President John Dramani Mahama's administration, and he had promised to set up a support fund for victims. Now that he's back in office, they hope he will finally fulfil that promise.
Mr Suraj, who still undergoes surgery for head injuries with bone fragments occasionally being removed, said what he needed was financial support and a vehicle to work and provide for his family.
"I want to work. If I get a car to use, I can take proper care of my children," he said.
