Churches remember victims of June 3 twin disasters
A national interdenominational memorial service was held at the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Osu, yesterday in remembrance of the victims of the June 3 flood and fire disasters with a call on Ghanaians to stand for one another.
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“In spite of our political, economic, religious and academic differences, this tragedy is teaching us that we have come to a point to see worth in humanity and in one another,” the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), Rev. Dr K. Opuni-Frimpong, stated.
Preaching the sermon, Rev. Dr Opuni-Frimpong said: “If we appreciate our need for one another, we will change the way we respond to human needs and issues about human dignity.”
The service, which was organised by the CCG, was attended by people from all walks of life, including the families of the victims, the clergy, traditional leaders, political party representatives, members of security services and the management of the Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL).
Tragedy struck the national capital on June 3 when floods that followed a downpour and an explosion at the GOIL Filling Station near the Kwame Nkrumah Circle claimed the lives of 150 people.
Renewal of hope
In the sermon titled: “Never again”, Rev. Dr Opuni-Frimpong said as difficult as it might seem, the flood and fire disaster offered hope for the present and the future generations.
“There is hope for Ghana and the tragedy has set the stage for a new national discourse, direction and better tomorrow; we desperately need a spiritual renewal and a return to God to bless us.
“The tragedy reminds us of the uncertainty that awaits us, as we do not know when we will be called to eternity,” he said.
He said the renewal of hope must lead Ghanaians to a renewal of actions, adding, “We need moral and attitudinal transformation.”
He said the nation needed sound moral consciousness and public discipline, training for which must start from basic school.
Enforce the laws
Rev. Dr Opuni-Frimpong added that the nation also needed sound environmental and long-term planning and a determination to strictly enforce the laws.
“We need to sing a new song for the people who died in last Wednesday’s tragedy and never again should we allow the Odaw River, supposed to be a tourist attraction, to trap our young people who have closed from work and send them to their graves,” he added.
He commended the security services, drivers and Good Samaritans, the government and state institutions who went to the aid of victims during the disaster, as well as those contributing to their welfare.
