Exactly ten years after the devastating June 3rd flood and fire disaster that claimed over 150 lives at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, a survivor’s silent suffering has finally received a public response — and a hopeful new beginning.
Solomon Akugru, one of the many survivors of the tragic 2015 incident, has lived with deep physical and emotional scars since that horrific night. His story, largely unknown to the public, was brought to light just days ago by renowned blogger and humanitarian Kobby Kyei, whose social media post on May 29 touched hearts across the nation.
In a remarkable show of compassion and leadership, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Mr. Eric Adjei, responded swiftly. On Tuesday, June 3 — the anniversary of the disaster — Mr. Adjei invited Solomon to his office, accompanied by Kobby Kyei, and made a personal donation to help him start anew.
According to NEIP officials, the support package included a set of tiling tools to help Solomon acquire a trade skill, funding to secure decent accommodation, and a new mobile phone to help him stay connected as he reintegrates into society.
“This is not just a donation — it is a message,” Mr. Adjei said during the brief handover ceremony. “We must remember the survivors, not just the statistics. Ten years is a long time to carry pain alone. Today, we help carry it with him.”
Kobby Kyei, who has long used his platform to highlight untold stories and neglected voices, described the moment as “deeply moving” and thanked NEIP for the swift response.
“I only wanted to tell Solomon’s story,” Kyei said. “But what has happened here shows the power of what can be achieved when empathy meets action.”
For Solomon, the gesture represents far more than financial assistance. It is, in his words, “the beginning of a new life.” After years of isolation and unemployment, he says he is finally hopeful about the future.
The June 3rd disaster was one of Ghana’s darkest days, caused by a combination of torrential rains, poor drainage, and a fire outbreak at a GOIL fuel station where many had sought shelter. While national commemorations have often focused on the lives lost, this year, a survivor’s voice has risen — and it has been met with kindness.
