Omanghana
Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. DaCosta Aboagye, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to declare a national period of mourning in honor of the victims who lost their lives during the devastating floods that struck parts of Ghana on June 29.
Dr. Aboagye argued that the more than 37 people who perished in the disaster deserve the same level of national recognition and respect accorded to victims of other national tragedies, including those who died in the recent military helicopter crash.
Call for National Recognition
In a public appeal, Dr. Aboagye stressed that every Ghanaian life holds equal value and that the nation should collectively mourn all citizens who lose their lives in tragic circumstances.
According to him, declaring an official period of mourning would not only pay tribute to those who died but would also offer comfort to grieving families and demonstrate national solidarity during a difficult time.
He noted that while the country rightly came together to honor victims of the military helicopter crash, families affected by the June 29 floods should receive similar recognition from the state.
“Every Ghanaian life is precious,” Dr. Aboagye emphasized, adding that the flood victims deserve a solemn and nationwide remembrance in acknowledgment of the magnitude of the tragedy.
A Disaster That Claimed Dozens of Lives
The June 29 floods left widespread destruction across several communities, claiming more than 37 lives and displacing numerous families. Homes, businesses, roads, and public infrastructure were severely damaged as heavy rains overwhelmed drainage systems and submerged entire neighborhoods.
The disaster once again highlighted Ghana’s long-standing vulnerability to seasonal flooding, particularly in urban areas where inadequate drainage, poor waste disposal, and unplanned development continue to worsen the impact of heavy rainfall.
Residents in several affected communities suffered significant property losses, while emergency responders and volunteers worked around the clock to rescue stranded residents and provide immediate assistance to affected families.
Beyond Mourning: A Call for Lasting Solutions
While advocating for a national period of mourning, Dr. Aboagye stressed that remembrance alone would not be enough.
He called on government leaders, local authorities, and disaster management agencies to intensify efforts to prevent similar tragedies in the future. He urged stronger collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) to speed up relief efforts for displaced families and ensure that victims receive the support needed to rebuild their lives.
According to him, Ghana must move beyond responding to disasters after they occur and instead invest in proactive measures that reduce the country’s vulnerability to flooding.
Improving Urban Planning and Flood Prevention
Dr. Aboagye also called for comprehensive reforms in urban planning and environmental management to address the root causes of recurring floods.
He urged authorities to enforce building regulations, prevent construction on waterways, improve drainage infrastructure, and strengthen monitoring of flood-prone communities. He further emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of sanitation laws to curb indiscriminate dumping of refuse, which frequently blocks drainage channels and contributes to flooding.
He said addressing these structural challenges is essential to protecting lives, safeguarding property, and preventing future disasters.
Renewed Focus on Disaster Preparedness
The former NHIA CEO concluded by encouraging government institutions, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and citizens to work together in building more resilient communities.
He expressed hope that the June 29 tragedy would serve as a turning point in Ghana’s approach to disaster preparedness, emergency response, and climate resilience.
As recovery efforts continue, Dr. Aboagye believes that honoring the victims through a national period of mourning, while simultaneously implementing long-term flood mitigation strategies, would demonstrate the country’s commitment to valuing every life and preventing similar tragedies in the years ahead.
Source: Omanghana
