Accra, Ghana – Wednesday marked the 11th anniversary of the devastating June 3, 2015 fire and flood disaster, with the OneGhana Movement asserting that the tragedy was entirely preventable. Senyo K. Hosi, Convener of the advocacy group, stated at a memorial event that the loss of life and extensive damage could have been averted if authorities had fulfilled their duties of care.
A Preventable Tragedy
The memorial, held at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, the site of the disaster, brought together survivors, bereaved families, civil society organizations, legal professionals, and media to commemorate the victims. Mr. Hosi emphasized that evidence presented in an ongoing class action lawsuit highlights the failure of regulatory oversight and enforcement of safety and planning regulations.
“The disaster of June 3 was needless. It ought to have been avoided if those entrusted with the responsibility to take care and exercise duty of care to all and sundry were up to their task,” Hosi declared.
The Lingering Search for Justice
Eleven years later, many survivors and families continue to grapple with the physical, emotional, and economic consequences of the disaster. The question of justice remains a central theme, with victims awaiting accountability and compensation.
“We gather here because the question that has haunted this nation for more than a decade still hangs in the air: June 3, where is justice?” Hosi questioned. He detailed the enduring scars, including hearing loss and loss of livelihoods, that victims still carry while justice remains elusive.
Legal Battles and Emerging Evidence
In 2018, 69 victims initiated a class action suit against GOIL, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), and the station manager. The suit seeks accountability, compensation, and justice for the harm caused.
Court proceedings have brought to light critical admissions. Hosi noted that GOIL’s own witness conceded under cross-examination that the disaster could have been avoided. Similarly, an NPA witness confirmed that enhanced regulatory oversight might have prevented the tragedy.
However, inconsistencies in the participation of some institutions, particularly the AMA, have drawn criticism. Hosi alleged that the Assembly, responsible for enforcing planning and safety regulations, has at times failed to appear in court, leading to sanctions.
“Yet 11 years on, the victims still wait. The trial continues. The suffering continues. The silence of all things also continues. And that is why this Movement demands more than sympathy,” Hosi stated.
A Call for Government Action and Trust Rebuilding
The OneGhana Movement is urging the government to demonstrate its commitment to accountability and justice by actively supporting efforts to bring closure to the victims and their families. Hosi stressed that the government’s stated ‘reset agenda’ must translate into tangible relief and accountability.
“Reset must mean something. Reset must mean justice for victims, accountability for institutions and relief for citizens who have suffered for far too long,” he asserted.
The anniversary serves as a crucial moment to rebuild public trust in state institutions. Hosi called for this moment to be a turning point, proving that the government’s reset agenda is more than a slogan and extends to the most vulnerable.
“Let this anniversary, this 11th anniversary, not be another ritual of remembrance without responsibility. Let it be a turning point.”
Tribute to Resilience and Pro Bono Support
Hosi paid tribute to the survivors who have persevered in the legal process despite significant delays. He specifically acknowledged individuals like Alex Mensah, Kassim, Suraj, Francis Abia, and Silas Odru for their commitment.
He also lauded the legal team, led by Samson Lardy Anyenini, for providing eight years of pro bono legal representation. “We acknowledge the unwavering dedication and service of Samson Lardy Anyenini and his colleagues for sustaining this fight for eight good years, all pro bono,” he said.
Looking Ahead
As Ghana reflects on the June 3 disaster, the focus remains on achieving meaningful justice and ensuring that such preventable tragedies are never repeated. The ongoing legal battles and the call for institutional accountability will be critical to watch in the coming months, alongside any concrete actions taken by the government to address the victims’ plight and rebuild public trust.
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