Alhaji Nasiru Ibrahim, Ashanti Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), has emphasized the importance of stakeholders’ collaboration and contingency preparedness in preventing disasters in Ghana.
Speaking at a capacity-building workshop for staff and management of Kumasi Metro and other metros in the Greater Kumasi area, Alhaji Ibrahim highlighted the need for effective collaboration between all stakeholders, including business entities and philanthropists, in desilting and dredging huge streams and gutters that are already choked.
According to Alhaji Ibrahim, contingency planning is key to disaster prevention in communities. He noted that a well-coordinated contingency plan would help identify and plan through capacity building to minimize damages. The NADMO Director emphasized that it would be cheaper to prevent disasters than to fight them, especially in situations where logistics are scarce and relief items are inadequate to support victims.
Alhaji Ibrahim identified some notable flood-prone areas in Greater Kumasi, including KTI/WAEC Area, Anloga Junction Drains, Sepe Buokrom, South Africa, and Airport Roundabout, which are already choked. He also noted that some fire hydrants are being accommodated with garbage, which could cause dangers and hazards.
The NADMO Director outlined the strategies for flood contingency in Kumasi Metropolis, Adum, and Dichemso, which include coordinated multi-sectorial collaboration that addresses prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. He emphasized that early warning systems, public education, community awareness, capacity building, and training, infrastructural and environmental management, resource prepositioning and logistics, stakeholder coordination, and roles definition all contribute to contingent preparedness in the prevention of disasters.
Alhaji Ibrahim reiterated that the timely development and implementation of a flood contingent plan for the city of Kumasi marks a critical step towards enhancing disaster preparedness and building community resilience. He emphasized that stakeholders’ collaboration and contingency preparedness are essential in preventing disasters and minimizing their impact on communities.
In conclusion, Alhaji Nasiru Ibrahim’s remarks highlight the importance of stakeholders’ collaboration and contingency preparedness in disaster prevention. By working together and developing effective contingency plans, we can reduce the risk of disasters and build more resilient communities. The NADMO’s efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and response in Kumasi and beyond are commendable, and it is essential that we continue to support and strengthen these initiatives.
