11 Years on: June 3 disaster victims cry for GH¢40m damages
Eleven years after the devastating June 3 ‘Circle Disaster’, families of the 150 lives that perished and hundreds who got injured are still chasing the shadows of their GH¢40 million compensation following a protracted legal battle.
At a press conference and wreath-laying ceremony held at the disaster site yesterday to commemorate the tragedy, the lawyer for the victims, Etornam Caleb Afutu, disclosed that the demand for compensation for the affected persons had been dragging on in court for the past eight years.
Lawyer Afutu explained that the victims were seeking GH¢40 million compensation from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and GOIL PLC for the loss of 150 lives, injuries, and destruction of property caused by the disaster, which was a blot on the nation.
He explained that although the legal process had been lengthy, significant progress had so far been made so far in the case.
Circle Disaster
The June 3, 2015, disaster remains one of Ghana's worst national tragedies.
The incident occurred when floodwaters engulfed parts of Accra following a downpour, forcing many people to seek shelter at the GOIL filling station, near the Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
On that fateful night, floodwaters, fuel and fire conspired, triggering a massive explosion that wreaked havoc on innocent souls and property and left lasting scars on survivors.
The annual wreath-laying ceremony serves as a reminder of the lives lost and the need for continued efforts to secure justice and support for those affected.
Evidence
Mr Afutu said seven victims had already testified before the court, while witnesses from GOIL PLC and NPA had also presented their evidence.
He added that the case had suffered a setback following the death of the dealer of the GOIL filling station in question, Mr Thomson Obeng Annani, resulting in the discontinuation of proceedings against him.
Despite the setback, Mr Afutu expressed optimism that the matter was nearing completion.
"We are currently waiting for June 15, when the case will return to court for a witness from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to testify and be cross-examined.
After that, all parties will submit their written addresses to the court for determination," he stated.
Mr Afutu was hopeful that a favourable judgment would be delivered before the end of the year, paving the way for compensation to be paid to the victims and their families.
Call for govt support
Addressing the media, the Convener of the OneGhana Movement, Senyo Hosi, called on President John Dramani Mahama and the government to demonstrate compassion towards the victims while the legal process continued.
He urged the government to rebuild public trust through accountability and provide support for the survivors who continued to endure the physical, emotional, and economic effects of the disaster.
Mr Hosi said many victims had struggled over the years to rebuild their lives and deserved assistance from the state.
"In the spirit of resetting the nation and strengthening accountability, the government should provide comfort and support to the victims in whatever way possible so they can live dignified and fulfilling lives," he said.
Victims’ predicament
The Head of the Coalition of June 3 Disaster Victims, Thomas Sakyie, expressed gratitude to the legal team for offering pro bono services throughout the prolonged legal process.
He said many survivors were facing severe economic hardships, with some unable to engage in meaningful employment because of their injuries.
He explained that while some victims now undertake menial jobs to support themselves and their families, others have become physically challenged and depend heavily on relatives, friends and well-wishers for survival.
Mr Sakyie said the long wait for justice and compensation had compounded the suffering of victims and their families.
He appealed to the court to expedite the final stages of the case to ensure that the victims finally receive the compensation they have been seeking for more than a decade.
