Survivors and families of victims of the June 3 disaster are renewing their calls for justice and accountability, marking the 11th anniversary of the tragedy on Wednesday, June 3. They are appealing to the government to ensure those affected receive long-awaited redress for the 2015 disaster that claimed over 150 lives and injured more than 200 people in Accra, Ghana.
A Decade of Waiting for Justice
Eleven years ago, a catastrophic combination of severe flooding and a fuel station explosion devastated Accra. The anniversary serves not only as a somber remembrance but also as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice. Campaigners, survivors, and relatives of victims highlighted in a statement that the question, “June 3 — Where Is Justice?” continues to linger.
For many survivors, the physical, emotional, and economic scars remain a daily reality. Some lost hearing, while others lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. They continue to grapple with long-term trauma and financial hardship as they await the resolution of legal proceedings aimed at securing accountability and compensation.
The Ongoing Legal Battle
A central focus of the anniversary commemorations is the class action lawsuit initiated in 2018 by 69 victims. This legal action seeks accountability and compensation from the Ghana Oil Company (GOIL), the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), and the manager of the fuel station involved in the tragedy.
Evidence presented in court has bolstered the case for accountability. Notably, a GOIL witness reportedly admitted under cross-examination that the disaster could have been prevented. Similarly, an NPA witness acknowledged that stricter regulatory oversight might have averted the tragedy. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly has faced criticism for its inconsistent participation in the legal process, including sanctions for failing to appear in court.
Despite these developments, survivors express that justice remains elusive. “Yet, 11 years on, the victims still wait. The trial continues. The suffering continues. The silence continues,” stated the “Reset for Justice” campaign. The protracted nature of the case raises broader concerns about access to justice and the efficiency of legal remedies for ordinary citizens.
Calls for Governmental Intervention
Campaigners are urging the State, particularly the Presidency, to intervene in the spirit of the government’s “Resetting Ghana Agenda.” They argue that a true national reset must encompass justice for victims, accountability for public institutions, and support for those enduring prolonged hardship.
The group expressed confidence that President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope” should include the survivors and families affected by the June 3 disaster. The anniversary also served to honor survivors who have persevered in their pursuit of justice, specifically mentioning Alex Mensah, Kassim Suraj, Francis Appiah, and Silas Oduro for their dedication.
Sustaining the Fight for Justice
The organizers emphasized that this anniversary should be a catalyst for action, not merely another occasion for remembrance without responsibility. They praised the pro bono legal representation provided by lawyer Samson Lardy Anyenini and his colleagues at A Partners @ Law, alongside Darko, Keli-Delataa and Co., for sustaining the legal fight over the past eight years.
Journalists and media organizations are called upon to maintain sustained coverage of this landmark legal battle, emphasizing its significant implications for public accountability, regulatory enforcement, and victims’ rights. Continued public scrutiny is seen as vital to ensure these issues remain in national focus.
Looking Ahead
As Ghana observes another anniversary, the demands for accountability, compensation, and justice persist. For many, the day is a painful reminder of lives lost and years spent waiting for closure. There is hope that the nation’s ongoing efforts at renewal will finally address their plight, bringing an end to one of Ghana’s most protracted quests for justice. The campaign urges Ghana to prove through action that “Reset means action, not words” and to finally answer the enduring question: “June 3 — Where Is Justice?”
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