The Central Regional Minister has intensified calls for a major shift in Ghana’s disaster management approach, urging authorities to prioritise prevention over response as environmental threats become more frequent.
Addressing a capacity-building workshop for disaster management officials, the Minister stressed that recurring floods, fires, coastal erosion, and illegal mining activities were no longer isolated incidents but growing annual challenges requiring proactive intervention.
He noted that the current reactive approach was proving costly, citing the displacement of thousands and significant financial losses during the 2025 rainy season. According to him, investing in early warning systems, infrastructure audits, and public education could significantly reduce the impact of disasters while freeing up resources for development.
The Minister also proposed a rebranding of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to reflect a stronger preventive mandate, suggesting a name change to emphasise disaster prevention rather than response.
Beyond policy direction, the Minister raised serious concerns about alleged misconduct within the organisation, particularly claims that some personnel stationed in illegal mining areas were benefiting from the activity. He issued a stern warning that any staff found complicit would face legal consequences, stressing the need for integrity in the fight against environmental degradation.
Supporting the call for reform, a representative from the Council of State described the allegations as troubling, noting that such actions undermine public confidence and government efforts to tackle illegal mining.
Meanwhile, NADMO leadership indicated that the organisation was already undergoing a strategic shift towards risk management. Officials highlighted ongoing training programmes aimed at equipping staff with modern tools and skills to anticipate and manage disasters more effectively in the face of climate change.
The three-day workshop forms part of broader efforts to reposition disaster management in Ghana, with a strong emphasis on preparedness, coordination, and accountability as key pillars for building resilient communities.
