Accra: The OneGhana Movement, a civil society organisation, has intensified its call for accountability and justice for the victims of the devastating June 3, 2015, flood and fire disaster that occurred at Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra. The group is pressing for compensation for those affected and is demanding legal action against the Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL), the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for their alleged roles in the tragedy.
According to Ghana News Agency, the OneGhana Movement has urged the Committee investigating the incident to expedite the publication of its findings and has called on the government to release its white paper on the matter. During an event commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the disaster, Mr. Senyo Hosi, Convener of the Movement, expressed disappointment at the perceived lack of accountability by the government and relevant institutions. He emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “The Committee’s report is yet to be published and a government white paper to be issued. We cannot accept this lack of accountability and justice. This happened because someone refused to do their job.”
The disaster, which struck at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange GOIL fuel station, resulted in over 150 fatalities and more than 100 injuries, highlighting the severe impact of the incident. Mr. Sampson Lardy Anyenini, a lawyer and member of the Movement who has been representing victims in court since 2018, disclosed that the affected individuals are seeking GHS42 million in compensation. He expressed hope for a positive court ruling, acknowledging that the compensation value has been eroded by inflation over time. “With inflation, the value isn’t the same today. Even if they are granted the amount, the government can still intervene meaningfully to provide solace,” he noted.
Furthermore, Mr. Thomas Sakyi, Chairman of the June 3 Flood and Fire Victims Association, made a heartfelt appeal for ongoing support from the government to ease the struggles of those impacted by the disaster. He pointed out that beyond initial compensation for medical expenses, victims have not received further financial aid. “Life has been very difficult for us. Most of us lost our means of livelihood. We have nothing to survive on. We plead with government and individuals to come to our aid; it has not been easy for us,” he pleaded.