NADMO calls for multi-hazard approach to disaster management

The Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Eric Nana Agyeman-Prempeh, has called for a shift in disaster management strategies in Ghana. He stated that a multi-hazard approach was necessary due to the increased frequency and intensity of disasters. Agyeman-Prempeh noted that the use of technology and collaboration would be vital in implementing this approach. He cited the June 3, 2015 fire and flood disaster in Accra as an example of a multi-disaster emergency that required advanced technology to manage.

Agyeman-Prempeh made these remarks at an executive breakfast forum in Accra organized by the Israel Economic and Trade Mission to Ghana, the Israel Export Institute, and NADMO. The forum aimed to discuss Ghana’s disaster risk reduction strategy and its ability to deal with emergencies and manage crises. Participants at the event included security agencies, the Ghana Health Service, the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, and other stakeholders.

The Director-General highlighted that flooding was the most common disaster in Ghana, which occurred annually and was managed by NADMO through strong stakeholder collaboration. He emphasized the need for international partnerships to adopt best practices and adhere to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030). This framework prioritizes investing in disaster risk reduction and establishing strong private sector collaboration.

The Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Sholmit Sufa, also spoke at the event. She expressed excitement about the partnership between Israel and Ghana and hoped that Israeli innovative solutions could enhance emergency preparedness and crisis management in Ghana.

In conclusion, the call for a multi-hazard approach to disaster management is timely, given the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters in Ghana. Collaborations with international partners and the use of technology are key enablers in implementing this approach. Stakeholder collaboration and adherence to international frameworks, such as the Sendai Framework, are also essential for effective disaster risk reduction in Ghana.