As Ghana marks the 10th anniversary of the June 3 twin disaster at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, the Mindset Transformation Initiative (MTI) has issued a call for collective responsibility to prevent a recurrence of such a national tragedy.

The disaster, which unfolded on the night of June 3, 2015, was a deadly combination of flooding and a gas explosion that claimed over 150 lives, injured scores, and devastated families and businesses.

In a commemorative statement released Tuesday, MTI honoured the memory of those who perished and expressed continued solidarity with survivors and affected families.

According to the Executive Director of MTI, Sidney Justin Tehoda, the catastrophe was not just the result of natural forces, but significantly worsened by human failings — including poor sanitation habits, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, unregulated urban sprawl, and weak enforcement of planning regulations.

“Let us not mourn with words alone. Let us act,” Mr Tehoda urged in the statement.

A national call to action

MTI’s message was structured around a three-pronged appeal — to citizens, government institutions, and the media:

• To Citizens: MTI called for a change in attitudes towards sanitation and personal responsibility. “National change begins with personal accountability. Cleanliness is not just a civic duty; it is a moral responsibility,” the statement read.
• To Duty Bearers: The initiative demanded that government agencies such as the MMDAs, NADMO, EPA, and Town and Country Planning departments move beyond rhetoric to action. This includes strict enforcement of sanitation laws, zoning regulations, and regular desilting of drains.
• To the Media and Civil Society: MTI urged continued public education and advocacy to drive behavioural change and accountability. “Use your platforms to promote change, demand results, and transform mindsets,” the statement said.

“Never Again”

The organisation emphasised that the June 3 disaster should not become a seasonal topic of discussion but a constant reminder of what happens when complacency meets negligence.

“The legacy of June 3 must be a new era of consciousness, responsibility, and resilience — not just mourning the past, but preventing the next disaster,” the statement concluded.

MTI reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with communities and institutions in promoting behavioural reform and cultural renewal.