Survivors of the June 3 Disaster in Accra have entreated the government to intensify efforts towards the full implementation of recommendations and public release of the investigative report that followed the tragedy.
The disaster occurred on the night of June 3, 2015, when a combination of torrential rains and an explosion at the GOIL Filling Station near the Kwame Nkrumah Circle turned a dire flood emergency into a national tragedy.
Many people, seeking shelter at the fuel station, were engulfed in flames as a spark triggered an explosion.
A solemn memorial event held at the site of the disaster in Accra yesterday brought together survivors and activists in a renewed call for justice, accountability, and systemic reforms.
Criticism
Speaking at the event, a legal advocate, Samson Lardy Anyenini, criticised the government for what he described as “woefully inadequate support and a failure to follow through on its promises”.
He said the Justice Doshie Committee, which submitted its findings weeks after the disaster in July 2015, confirmed that 154 people lost their lives and another 154 sustained varying degrees of injury, many of them permanent.
According to him, while the government initially paid hospital bills and covered burial expenses, survivors have since had to shoulder the burden of long-term medical care themselves.
“Many, have been left disfigured, jobless, or disabled, with some unable to care for their families” he said.
Mr Anyenini further revealed that 69 survivors were currently pursuing justice in court, seeking GH¢42 million in damages, a figure that had depreciated in real value due to inflation.
The ongoing court proceedings often reopen psychological wounds as victims are forced to relive their trauma during testimony.
He, therefore, appealed for direct government intervention to offer the victims financial relief and prevent further suffering.
Negligence
Speaking on behalf of One Ghana Movement, a CSO, Thomas Sakyi argued that the disaster was entirely avoidable and placed the blame squarely on institutional negligence, particularly in the management of fuel infrastructure and flood risk.
He called for accountability, not only from institutions but from citizens as well and warned that unless the nation breaks the cycle of politicising tragedies and ignoring expert advice, the future would be shaped by similar preventable disasters.
A survivor who suffered severe burns during the explosion, Uchenna Akposioha, recounted how the disaster had left him physically and financially broken.
He said the fire had permanently disfigured his body and destroyed everything he owned in the country.
Although he expressed appreciation for the initial care he received, he nevertheless lamented the absence of meaningful long-term support.
Pledge
The Municipal Chief Executive for Korle Klottey, Alfred Gaisie, acknowledged the devastating impact the disaster had on families and communities and expressed the government’s sympathy to the victims.
He pointed to ongoing initiatives such as the World Bank-funded Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project, which is aimed at improving flood risk and solid waste management in high-risk areas such as the Odawna Basin.
Solidarity
Meanwhile, the Ghana Burns Survivors Federation (GBSF) has honoured the memory of those who perished and showed solidarity with the burns survivors whose lives have been changed by the events of that fateful night.
A statement signed by the GBSF President, Emmanuel Kenneth Goode, said “As an organisation representing the voices and needs of burn survivors across Ghana, we acknowledge the socio-psychological, physical, and economic impact that burns have on individuals and their families.”
“Survivors continue to face painful medical treatments, stigma, job loss, and limited access to rehabilitation and psychosocial care,” it added.
