Samson Lardy Anyenini and the OneGhana Movement have intensified calls for compensation for victims of the June 3, 2015, disaster, one of Ghana’s worst national tragedies.
The incident occurred after torrential rains triggered severe flooding at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra. Floodwaters mixed with leaking fuel from a nearby GOIL fuel station, resulted in a catastrophic explosion that killed over 150 people and left many others injured.
The OneGhana Movement, led by Senyo Hosi, has spearheaded annual commemorations of the tragedy and initiated legal action to seek justice and compensation.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, June 5, Samson Lardy Anyenini, legal representative for the victims, reiterated a compensation demand of GHS 42 million, stressing that many of the victims still require medical care and support after a decade.
Anyenini disclosed that while the government initially covered medical bills and funeral expenses for the deceased, no further compensation has been provided, despite the lasting physical and economic impacts on survivors.
“We’re in the court because the victims, the 2015 committee report identified 154 dead and 154 victims who have suffered injuries in various degrees. They have permanent disfigurement to their faces, arms, legs, and stomachs, I’m talking about permanent disfigurement. Some of them have become invalid, they cannot do anything. When we began a process to get some help for them, we hit a snag. Because the state was not forthcoming. After it had paid their medical bills, and also paid for the funeral arrangements of the 154.
He added, “The fact is that there were more than 154 who died, and there were in excess of 200 who died. After the state paid for their treatment, seven of them have come to testify, as we speak, some of them still attend hospitals and pay medical bills. They have literally used their life savings and are depending on support from families and friends, because they lost their businesses as well.”
He also raised concerns about the state’s failure to implement recommendations from the 2015 disaster committee report.
“You will find that the solution to the possibility of a recurring situation is in the report, but today, [June 5], I look back and ask myself which part of the report has been implemented by the state or local authorities. I doubt if they have followed it as required. All the various relevant bodies, we’re hoping that in the end they will learn to be a lot more responsible and be aware that when you act negligently, you will pay for it.”
The lawsuit was filed against agencies including- Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), owner and manager of the GOIL filling station at Circle, Thompson Obeng Anane, GOIL and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
Key Facts About the June 3 Disaster:
The Fire:
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The disaster was triggered when floodwaters caused a fuel leak at a GOIL fuel station near the Kwame Nkrumah Circle (also known as Circle).
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People had taken shelter from the heavy rains at the station.
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The leaked fuel ignited, reportedly due to a lit cigarette or electrical fault, causing a massive explosion and intense fire.
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The fire engulfed the station and nearby buildings and vehicles, killing many instantly.
The Floods:
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The fire occurred during torrential rains that had led to severe flooding across Accra.
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Poor drainage systems and the blockage of waterways by garbage worsened the flooding.
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Many roads were submerged, and people were trapped in their vehicles or buildings.
Casualties:
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Over 150 people were confirmed dead.
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Hundreds more were injured.
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Many bodies were burnt beyond recognition, complicating identification efforts.
Location:
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