Photo:Acting NPA CEO, Edudzi K. Tamekloe
A decade has passed since the devastating fire and flood disaster at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, a calamity that claimed over 150 lives and left an indelible mark on the nation’s collective memory. As Ghana reflects on the tenth anniversary of this tragic event, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has expressed profound sympathy to the families of those who perished and all affected by the disaster.
On the night of 3 June 2015, torrential rains caused severe flooding that combined with a fuel leak at a nearby petrol station to ignite a catastrophic fire, ravaging the area and causing unprecedented loss of life and property. The incident exposed critical vulnerabilities in urban planning, regulatory oversight, and emergency preparedness, sparking national debate and policy reassessment.
In a statement released on the anniversary, the NPA acknowledged the tragedy’s enduring impact and pledged to strengthen measures to prevent similar occurrences. The Authority reaffirmed its mandate to enforce stringent regulatory compliance and promote safe practices across the petroleum sector.
“As we mark ten years since the disaster, the NPA remains deeply saddened by the loss and destruction caused. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the departed and all those affected,” the statement read.
The NPA detailed steps taken in the intervening years to enhance safety standards, including increased collaboration with regulatory bodies on the siting and operation of filling stations, the adoption of improved operational protocols for petroleum service providers, and intensified public education campaigns aimed at raising awareness about safety at fuel stations nationwide.
With the rainy season upon Ghana once more, the NPA has urged residents living near drainage systems and waterways close to petroleum facilities to exercise caution and heed safety advisories.
The anniversary serves as a sober reminder of the pressing need for coordinated action to address urban flood risks, improve infrastructure, and enforce regulatory frameworks that safeguard communities against such disasters.
While progress has been made since 2015, the lessons of June 3 remain a call to vigilance for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and citizens alike — to ensure the protection of lives and property in the face of natural and human-made hazards.
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