10th Anniversary of 2015 Flood and Fire Tragedy: Accra Mayor Calls for Climate Action on 

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has urged renewed commitment to climate action as the city marks ten years since the devastating flood and fire disaster of June 3, 2015.

In a speech delivered on his behalf at a climate summit on Tuesday, Mayor Allotey described the tragedy as a painful but urgent reminder of the cost of environmental neglect and inadequate urban planning. Over 150 people lost their lives during the disaster, which occurred at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle following hours of heavy rainfall and an explosion at a fuel station.

“We are not just here to remember,” said Mr. Allotey, in remarks read by his Executive Secretary, Alfred Frimpong. “We are here to recommit. That tragedy was the result not just of rain, but of blocked drains, poor planning, and years of ignoring the signs.”

The event, themed “June 3rd, A Stern Reminder of Climate Inaction”, was organized by the Youth Climate Advocates as part of Phase II of the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF). The summit brought together youth groups, local officials, and environmental stakeholders to reflect on lessons from the disaster and promote sustainable urban development.

Addressing participants, Mr. Allotey challenged young people to take the lead in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. He highlighted initiatives by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), including decongestion campaigns, enforcement of sanitation laws, and the Mayor’s Special Green Initiative, aimed at enhancing the city’s resilience.

“We cannot build a sustainable future without your involvement—whether it’s speaking out against littering, organizing clean-ups, or designing climate-smart innovations,” he said.

AMA Presiding Member Musah Ziyad echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, drawing a direct link between flooding and poor drainage systems, congestion, and unregulated construction.

While noting that the 2015 disaster site lies outside AMA’s immediate jurisdiction, Mr. Ziyad pointed to ongoing flood prevention measures under the Greater Accra Resilience and Integration Development (GARID) Project. He said major drains, including the Odaw River and areas around the Korle Lagoon, were being cleared, with further decongestion of informal settlements expected in the coming weeks.

“The problem isn’t just policy it’s compliance,” he told journalists. “That’s why education and community engagement are so vital.”

Youth voices were central to the summit. Simon Tetteh, Fiscal Lead of YCAF, called for stronger grassroots mobilization, improved waste management, and greater accountability from both citizens and authorities.

“This was a man-made disaster caused by choked drains, plastic pollution, and neglect,” he said. “If we change how we manage our environment, we can prevent future tragedies.”

Commemorative activities included a city-wide clean-up exercise across selected markets, led by YCAF micro-grant recipients. Volunteers desilted gutters, removed plastic waste, and conducted climate awareness sessions in five schools. Community leaders in five electoral areas were also engaged in discussions on local climate and sanitation action.

The summit marks a decade since one of Ghana’s most tragic environmental disasters. Organizers say the focus now must be on action to prevent such a loss from happening again.

Reported by:

ABDULLAH ABDUL MALIK