Justice Delayed?: June 3 disaster victims cry for GH¢40 million compensation

Eleven years after the devastating June 3 ‘Circle Disaster’ claimed 150 lives and left hundreds injured, affected families and survivors are still chasing a GH¢40 million compensation package amid a protracted legal battle.

Speaking at a press conference and wreath-laying ceremony held at the disaster site to commemorate the tragedy, the legal counsel for the victims, Etornam Caleb Afutu, disclosed that the civil suit has been dragging through the courts for the past eight years.

The plaintiffs are seeking the GH¢40 million payout from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and GOIL PLC to cover the catastrophic loss of life, severe bodily injuries, and extensive destruction of property caused by the 2015 twin flood and fire disaster.

According to a report by graphic.com.gh on June 4, 2026, Lawyer Afutu, stated that while the litigation has been painfully lengthy, significant procedural progress has been made.

To date, seven victims have testified before the court, and witnesses from both GOIL PLC and the NPA have presented their evidence.

FLASHBACK: Hundreds perish in horrid twin disaster on June 3, 2015

The case recently suffered a major setback following the death of the specific GOIL filling station dealer involved, Mr. Thomson Obeng Annani, which resulted in the discontinuation of legal proceedings against his estate.

Despite this, Afutu expressed strong optimism that the lawsuit is finally nearing its conclusion.

"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," Afutu stated.

"After that, all parties will submit their written addresses to the court for determination," she added.

The legal team remains hopeful that a definitive, favorable judgment will be delivered before the end of the year, finally clearing the path for the disbursement of funds.

The anniversary event also featured strong appeals to the executive arm of government.

The Convener of the OneGhana Movement, Senyo Hosi, publicly called on President John Dramani Mahama and the current administration to show compassion to the survivors without waiting out the finality of the court process.

Hosi urged the government to rebuild eroded public trust by providing immediate social and economic support to survivors who continue to endure deep physical and emotional scars.

"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," Hosi remarked, emphasizing that many victims have spent over a decade unable to rebuild their lives.

Recounting the grim reality on the ground, Thomas Sakyie, Head of the Coalition of June 3 Disaster Victims, expressed profound gratitude to their legal team for providing pro bono services throughout the eight-year trial.

Sakyie painted a bleak picture of the survivors' current predicament, noting that severe injuries have locked many out of meaningful employment. While some survivors have resorted to low-paying menial jobs to feed their families, others have been permanently disabled, relying entirely on the charity of relatives and well-wishers.

The coalition concluded with an urgent appeal to the judiciary to expedite the final stages of the lawsuit to prevent further compounded suffering for the families left behind.

VPO