A scene during the press engagement
Marking the solemn 11th anniversary of the June 3, 2015 disaster, a powerful call for justice has been issued on behalf of survivors and families of the tragedy, which claimed over 150 lives and injured more than 200 people through a devastating combination of fire, flood, and fuel leaks.
Survivors and families of the deceased expressed their concern over delays in the determination of a lawsuit filed in 2015 over the incident.
They made the appeal during a press conference organised by the One Ghana Movement to mark the 11th anniversary of the June 3 flood and fire disaster in Accra.
Addressing the press, Convenor of the One Ghana Movement, Mr. Senyo K. Hosi, stated that victims and families have waited too long for justice and compensation.
He mentioned that, according to the court proceeding, the disaster was entirely needless and could have been preventable.
Also, he said witnesses from both GOIL and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) admitted under cross-examination that stronger regulatory oversight could have averted the tragedy.
According to him, 69 victims filed a landmark class-action lawsuit in 2018 against GOIL, the NPA, Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), and the station manager, demanding accountability, compensation, and dignity.
”Despite these revelations, the victims continue to face prolonged delays, exacerbated by the AMA’s inconsistent participation and failure to appear in court, which has even attracted legal fines,” he said.
Mr. Hosi, during the press conference, has called upon the President to honour his “Resetting Ghana” agenda by ensuring that the “reset” delivers actual justice, institutional accountability, and relief for the country’s most vulnerable rather than serving as a mere slogan.
Mr. Hosi appealed to the media to maintain sustained coverage of the landmark trial, ensuring the nation does not look away until justice is finally delivered to the living and honour is brought to the memory of those lost.
The lawyer for the victims, Mr. Etornam Caleb Afutu, disclosed that legal action was brought on behalf of approximately 69 victims against GOIL, the National Petroleum Authority and Accra Metropolitan Assembly for gross negligence, seeking GH¢40 million in damages to account for lost lives, ruined property that cannot be recovered, and survivors left permanently unable to work.
He noted that significant progress has been made, with all seven victim witnesses, alongside witnesses for GOIL and the NPA, having already testified; however, legal proceedings against the station dealer, have been discontinued following his passing.
”The case is currently handling the testimony of the AMA’s witness, with the court scheduled to reconvene on June 15 and 18 to conclude their evidence, after which GOIL and the NPA may cross-examine the witness,” he stressed.
Mr. Afutu emphasised that the matter is finally nearing its end, with a strong possibility that the trial will conclude this year following the submission of written arguments and the subsequent court judgment.
By Janet Odei Amponsah