June 3 Disaster: Ghana marks 10 years after deadly flood and fire incident

Ten years ago today, a disaster struck Accra. A deadly flood and fire killed 154 people. The country was left in shock.

On June 3, 2015, heavy rains hit the capital. An explosion at the GOIL filling station near Kwame Nkrumah Circle worsened the situation. Many people sought shelter at the fuel station during the downpour. As floodwaters rose, fuel leaked from the station. A spark ignited a massive explosion, engulfing the area in flames.

The aftermath was grim. Bodies were scattered across the streets. Some were found days later in open drains. Emergency responders worked for weeks to clear the devastation. The government declared three days of national mourning.

Following the tragedy, a committee investigated its causes. Their report detailed events leading to the explosion. “The flooding of Kwame Nkrumah was the remote cause,” it stated. Fuel overflow from GOIL was identified as an intermediate cause. The final spark came from Seth Kwesi Ofosu dropping a lit cigarette into fuel-laden waters.

The explosion injured another 154 people and damaged five structures, including GOIL station. Property loss was estimated at GHS 1.65 million.

The committee recommended extensive drainage improvements. This included dredging and desilting of the Odaw River and its tributaries. They also proposed creating a sanitation police force to enforce waste disposal regulations.

While some efforts have been made since then, many issues remain unresolved. Poor urban drainage and inadequate waste management still pose risks in Accra.

As we reflect on this tenth anniversary, survivors and victims’ families seek accountability again. Civil society groups are calling for sustained action to prevent future tragedies like this one.