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 honour of the victims who lost their lives during the devastating floods that struck parts of Ghana on June 29.
In a statement issued on Friday, Dr. Aboagye argued that the lives lost in the disaster deserve the same level of national recognition and respect accorded to victims of the recent military helicopter crash.
According to him, reports indicate that more than 37 people died after heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding in Accra and several other communities, causing extensive damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.
Dr. Aboagye said the nation must not overlook the suffering of families affected by the tragedy, stressing that every Ghanaian life should be valued equally regardless of the circumstances surrounding the loss.
“The lives lost in the floods deserve to be remembered and honoured,” he stated. “We cannot create the impression that some deaths matter more than others. Every citizen deserves dignity, recognition, and remembrance.”
Addressing President Mahama directly, he called on the government to officially declare a period of national mourning for the victims as a symbol of solidarity with grieving families and affected communities.
Beyond the call for national mourning, Dr. Aboagye criticised what he described as an inadequate response to the disaster.
He argued that more support should be provided to bereaved families and residents who continue to struggle with the aftermath of the floods.
The June 29 floods left dozens of people dead, displaced hundreds of residents, and destroyed properties across several communities.
The disaster has once again highlighted concerns about poor drainage systems, uncontrolled development, and the need for stronger disaster preparedness measures.
Meanwhile, former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has also responded to the tragedy.
Following visits to some of the hardest-hit areas in Accra, relief items were distributed to affected residents through his representatives.
The flood disaster has intensified calls from civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and political figures for urgent investment in drainage infrastructure and flood prevention projects.
With the rainy season still ongoing, many stakeholders are urging government authorities to take decisive action to prevent future disasters and protect vulnerable communities from recurring floods.
