With nine bodies washed ashore in a mass drowning disaster, the Executive Director of Safety Ghana is blaming the state for what he describes as the "unnecessary loss of lives."

Nana Yaw Amirehe is convinced appropriate state institutions could have protected the lives of these citizens if they had been proactive.

Nine bodies were washed ashore at two beaches in Accra- Titanic Beach in Sakumono and Bortianor beach after the Easter festivities.

According to an eye witness, Issabella Gidiglo, fishermen saw four bodies on Wednesday morning at the Titanic Beach and quickly drew the attention of the Assembly man of the area.

It was not until 2:00 pm that the bodies were retrieved from the beach, Gidiglo reported.

At the Bortianor beach, a total of five bodies had since been washed ashore, Weija Divisional Police Commander Superintendent Shaibu Osie confirmed on Joy FM's Top Story.

Three bodies were retrieved, Tuesday with another two discovered Wednesday. Some of the bodies were in a state of decomposition, he indicated.

According to him, the three bodies have been identified by the families of the victims who are now awaiting autopsy reports on the victims before the bodies would be handed over to them.

He said the other two are yet to be identified.

Superintendent Osei said the bodies were retrieved after land patrols by the police.

While asking for better collaboration between the public and the police to stop the drowning-related deaths, the Divisional Police Commander also stated that individuals have a responsibility to protect themselves from some of these wanton deaths.

But Nana Yaw Amirehe said the state has a larger responsibility to protect its citizens even at sea.

He wondered why the police would be patrolling the land when the coast guards can patrol the sea to save some of these persons from drowning.

He explained reported cases of drowning related deaths are not new and the state should find innovative ways of saving the lives of these innocent citizens.

Nana Yaw Amirehe also stated that the National Disaster Management Organisation has a responsibility to prevent some of these deaths.

"What is the responsibility of NADMO. Do they wait till people hang themselves before they go for the bodies?" he asked

He said the state must take proactive measures to prevent some of these deaths.