Responsibility should be our ignition, not the pain of a tragedy — June 3 disaster survivor Akosua Ogyiri

Akosua Ogyiri, a survivor of the June 3 disaster, has a message. She urges Ghanaians to take responsibility for change. This call comes as the nation marks ten years since the tragic floods and fire in Accra.

On June 3, 2015, heavy rains caused severe flooding in Accra. Many people sought shelter at the GOIL filling station near Kwame Nkrumah Circle. The situation worsened when fuel leaked into the floodwaters and ignited. This led to a massive explosion that took many lives and shattered families.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Akosua reflected on that painful night. She urged the nation to change its approach to disaster prevention. “Our mission often comes from disaster pain,” she said. “People died and properties were lost before we acted.”

She noted that once disasters pass, people return to old habits. Akosua emphasized acting out of duty rather than reaction. “Doing the right thing should come from a sense of duty,” she stated. “Everyone must do their part—don’t dump refuse or block gutters.”

She warned against waiting for disasters to act responsibly. “Don’t wait for tragedy before doing what you should every day,” she advised.

Reflecting on the nation's response, Akosua expressed disappointment after ten years without clear policies to prevent similar disasters. “I expected clear actions after June 3,” she said. “We should have agreed on measures to protect lives.”

Akosua shared how close she came to becoming another victim that night. “Ten years later, I realize I could have been swept away,” she recalled.

She concluded with a powerful message: “The drive to do right must come from responsibility and duty—not just from disaster.”