Ghana’s NADMO Boss Urges ECOWAS to Strengthen Disaster Response Efforts

Ghana’s NADMO Boss Urges ECOWAS to Strengthen Disaster Response Efforts

Nana Prempeh, Director-General of Ghana’s National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has called on ECOWAS and its member states to enhance their disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. He made the appeal during a mid-term consultation meeting of the Regional Committee for Disaster Management in West Africa (GECEAO) in Abuja on Wednesday.

The three-day event, which began on Tuesday, focuses on improving coordination and harmonization of disaster management efforts across West Africa.

Represented by his deputy, Frank Nansam-Aggrey, Prempeh emphasized the urgent need for member states to address the increasing frequency of natural and man-made disasters in the region. He highlighted that over the past three decades, extreme events like floods and fires have significantly impacted over 75% of West Africa’s population.

“Member states must bolster regional preparedness to manage these disasters, as they continue to disrupt livelihoods and economic development,” Prempeh said. He cited the ECOWAS Policy for Disaster Risk Reduction, which warns that most West African countries are exposed to at least one hazardous event, further aggravated by conflicts and diseases.

Prempeh urged ECOWAS and governments to prioritize disaster risk reduction, as escalating incidents such as flooding, sea erosion, and drought increasingly strain national budgets. He warned that climate change is worsening extreme weather events, deepening community vulnerabilities and creating financial challenges for member states.

To address these concerns, Prempeh encouraged other nations to follow Ghana’s lead in disaster preparedness. He pointed to Ghana’s initiatives, including establishing an emergency disaster fund, building technical and human resource capacity, and forming committees to recommend best practices for disaster response. Additionally, Ghana has implemented drought risk insurance for smallholder farmers and improved flood and drought early warning systems.

Prempeh expressed hope that the ongoing meeting would foster greater collaboration among stakeholders to reduce disaster risks and build resilient communities throughout the ECOWAS region.