UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
BY: Gladys Apuweni
The Upper East Regional Directorate of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has emphasized the need for stronger community participation in disaster risk reduction efforts as Ghana joined the global community to observe the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Speaking on the URA Marketplace program on GBC URA Radio, the Regional Operations Officer of NADMO, Mr. Paul Wooma stressed that disaster preparedness is not the responsibility of NADMO alone but a shared duty of every citizen, community leader, and institution.
“Disaster management goes beyond just an organization. It involves everybody. We must all know how to build resilience, especially when disaster strikes,” Mr. Wooma said.
He explained that NADMO’s operations are guided by NADMO Act 927, which outlines three critical phases of disaster management: pre-disaster education, response, and recovery. To ensure effective implementation, the organization operates through a decentralized structure from the national level down to the regional, district, zonal, and community volunteer levels, enabling swift response when emergencies occur.
Mr. Wooma further noted that NADMO collaborates with key partners, including the Ghana Red Cross Society, Ghana Health Service, and community based volunteers, to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms. He revealed that trained divers and rescue teams have been strategically stationed in flood prone and riverine communities such as Pwalugu and Bongo to ensure timely intervention during flooding and water related emergencies.
Adding to the conversation, NADMO Project Officer Mr. David Mba highlighted community sensitization as one of the organization’s most effective strategies for reducing disaster risks. According to him, NADMO works closely with local media houses and community development groups to raise awareness on disaster prevention and preparedness. “When communities are well informed, they are better positioned to act before disasters occur. Public education saves lives and reduces the impact on livelihoods,” Mr. Mba explained.
While NADMO plays a critical role in providing relief during disasters, Mr. Wooma clarified that no organization can fully meet all the needs of affected persons.
“No disaster management organization can ever fully meet all the needs of survivors because their needs are many and varied. Our focus is on providing immediate relief to support recovery, not full restoration,” he stated.
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was instituted in 1989 by the United Nations General Assembly to promote a global culture of disaster risk awareness and reduction. It recognizes efforts made worldwide to prevent and reduce disaster risks and calls on all stakeholders, governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to take proactive steps to build resilient societies.
In line with this year’s commemoration, the Upper East Regional NADMO Directorate is calling on traditional authorities, assembly members, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and individual citizens to embrace a culture of preparedness
Mr. Wooma urged communities to adhere to safety protocols, avoid risky settlements along riverbanks, practice early reporting of emergencies, and volunteer for community training programs organized by NADMO.“Preparedness is the best defense against disaster. When we all play our part, the impact of disasters can be significantly reduced,” he concluded.
NADMO reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with partners and communities to strengthen local capacity, improve early warning systems, and ensure that communities in the Upper East Region are better equipped to withstand and recover from disasters.
