Former Greater Accra Regional Minister Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover has criticised the government’s decision to observe July 1 as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, insisting that the occasion should instead have been declared a National Day of Mourning in memory of those who lost their lives in the recent devastating floods.
According to Mr. Glover, the scale of destruction and loss of life caused by the floods warranted a solemn national reflection rather than a celebratory event. He argued that while prayer is important, the nation first needed to collectively grieve with affected families and honour the memories of the victims.
The former minister maintained that declaring a National Day of Mourning would have demonstrated solidarity with bereaved families and acknowledged the pain and suffering experienced by thousands of Ghanaians whose homes, businesses and livelihoods were destroyed by the disaster.
He further noted that such a gesture would have reflected the gravity of the tragedy while reinforcing national unity during a difficult period. In his view, a formal day of mourning would also have served as a reminder of the urgent need for stronger measures to address perennial flooding and improve disaster preparedness across the country.
Mr. Glover’s comments come in the wake of widespread public discussions over the government’s handling of the aftermath of the floods, which left several communities submerged, displaced thousands of residents and claimed multiple lives.
The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, observed on July 1, brought together religious leaders, government officials and citizens to offer prayers for the nation and those affected by the disaster. However, the event has generated mixed reactions, with some Ghanaians supporting the initiative while others have questioned whether a national thanksgiving was appropriate given the magnitude of the recent tragedy.
The debate continues as calls grow for comprehensive flood mitigation measures, improved drainage infrastructure and stronger emergency response systems to reduce the impact of future disasters and protect vulnerable communities.
Author: Joyce Owusu
Credit:CNR
