Survivors, families, and friends of victims of the June 3rd, 2015 Circle disaster have called on President John Dramani Mahama to act in the spirit of his “Resetting Ghana” agenda, insisting that justice for victims must be central to the reset.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the group marked 11 years since the fire, flood, and fuel explosion at the GOIL filling station in Circle that claimed more than 150 lives and injured over 200 people.

“We believe His Excellency the President stands for building prosperity and restoring hope. Hence, the survivors and families of June 3rd must not be left behind,” they stated. “Reset must mean something. Reset must mean justice for victims, accountability for institutions, and relief for citizens who have suffered for far too long.”

The convener of the One Ghana Movement, Senyo R. Hosi, said the question haunting the nation for over a decade remains: “June 3rd, where is justice?”

“For 11 years, the victims of this tragedy have carried scars — physical, emotional, and economic scars,” Mr. Hosi said. “Some lost their hearing, some lost their livelihoods, some lost their entire families, and yet the justice they deserve remains painfully out of reach.”

He noted that in 2018, 69 victims took the bold step of seeking justice through the courts, filing a class action suit against GOIL, the National Petroleum Authority, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and the station manager. The victims, he said, asked for accountability, compensation, and dignity.

Mr. Hosi criticized the Accra Metropolitan Assembly for its inconsistent participation in the legal process, adding that the Assembly has even attracted fines for failing to appear in court. “These are not my opinions. These are not the opinions of my friends. Here are victims here. These are facts on record,” he said.

He added that 11 years on, the trial continues, the suffering continues, and the silence of institutions also continues. “That is why this moment demands more than sympathy. It demands a national reset in how justice is delivered to ordinary citizens.”

As the nation honors the memory of those lost, the survivors also honored the courage of those still fighting for justice, citing individuals like Alex Menza who continue to show up in court. The group said the June 3rd disaster was needless and ought to have been avoided if institutions entrusted with duty of care had acted responsibly.

They are calling on government, the judiciary, and all relevant institutions to expedite the court process and ensure victims receive the justice, accountability, and relief they have demanded for 11 years.

Lawyer for the victims of the June 3rd, 2015 Circle disaster, Etornam Caleb Afutuo, says the 11-year-old case is nearing its end, with judgment possible before the end of 2026.

“About 69 victims instituted a suit on their behalf against GOIL, the operator of the Circle filling station, the National Petroleum Authority, NPA, and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, AMA,” he stated.

He explained that the victims are accusing the institutions of negligence. “What the victims are claiming is that these bodies were negligent, and because of their negligence they suffered. We are in court seeking 40 million Ghana cedis in damages. This is for lives that were lost, properties that were damaged and cannot be recovered, and victims who survived but have been left in a state where they can no longer work. Because of all these, we are in court seeking compensation,” Mr. Afutuo said.

On the progress of the case, the lawyer said all their witnesses have testified. “We presented about seven victims to give evidence before the court. GOIL’s witness has testified, NPA’s witness has testified. Unfortunately, the station manager has passed on, so we have discontinued the case against him. We are no longer pursuing him.”

Mr. Afutuo added that AMA’s witness is currently still in the witness box. “The last time we were in court was in May. On 15th June and 18th June, AMA is expected to continue its evidence. After that, the other parties, including NPA, may decide to cross-examine AMA’s witness.”

Report by Bernard K Dadzie Greater Accra Region