The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has sent a word of caution to individuals residing around fueling stations close to drainages and waterways to take safety precautions as the rainy season approaches.In a press statement released on Tuesday, June 3, to commemorate the anniversary of the June 3 disaster, the Authority noted that the call is to assist in averting the tragedy that occurred 10 years ago.

0

"The June 3, 2015, disaster that claimed the lives of many compatriots at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle is still fresh on our minds. As Ghana marks 10 years since this tragic incident, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) is saddened by the unprecedented loss of properties and commiserates with the families of the departed owing to this disaster.”

1

"The rainy season is here again. During this period, the NPA urges residents situated around drainage and waterways surrounding petroleum service stations to take safety precautions," parts of the statement read.

2

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to ensure safe "regulatory compliance and practices to prevent fuel-related accidents." It noted that it laid down measures to ensure the safety operational standards of petroleum service providers.

3

Over 150 individuals were caught in the fire during a downpour that had caused flooding, claiming the lives of many and leaving scores severely injured during the torrential rains in Accra. The floods were attributed to blockages in Accra’s main storm drains, resulting from the non-desilting of the drains, including buildings and structures by squatters that had blocked waterways.

4

Some of the victims had sought shelter at the GOIL filling station near Kwame Nkrumah Circle, but got trapped in an inferno after leaking fuel sparked a devastating explosion after getting into contact with an inflammable substance.

5

In response to the unfortunate incident, then-president, John Mahama, authorised a GH₵ 60 million ($14.5 million) recovery fund to aid the victims and declared a 3-day mourning for the deceased.

6

In 2018, a class-action suit was filed by private legal practitioner Samson Lardy Anyenini on behalf of the victims to seek compensation for the affected families. It has been seven years, and the court is yet to rule on the case. Engaging the media today, Mr Anyenini remained optimistic about a favourable court ruling.

7

“They are in court, 69 of them seeking help for themselves and over 100 others. They are seeking about GH¢42 million. 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 stated.

8

Also, One Ghana Movement, led by Senyo Hosi, has filed legal action against GOIL, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), holding them accountable for their alleged roles in the unfortunate incident.

9

Meanwhile, the victims continue to relive the horrors of that fateful night that changed their lives forever. They have urged the government to come to their aid.

10