President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated the Governing Board of the National Centre for the Coordination of Early Warning Systems (NCCRM), reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to proactive crisis management and regional stability.
The 12-member board, chaired by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, will oversee the centre’s mandate to detect and respond to emerging crises in Ghana and the broader West African sub-region. This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s national security architecture, improve human security, and enhance disaster preparedness.
Established under Act 2021 (Act 1070), the NCCRM is tasked with developing and implementing early warning systems that can identify potential threats before they escalate, including conflicts, natural disasters, health emergencies, and environmental challenges.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, President Mahama emphasised the critical role of early warning systems in safeguarding national stability.
“Early warning is the first line of defence against crises,” the President said. “This board has the responsibility to anticipate threats and coordinate rapid, effective responses to protect the lives and livelihoods of Ghanaians.”
The board includes a mix of senior government officials, reflecting a multi-sectoral approach to crisis management:
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Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior
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Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Defence Minister
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Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Foreign Affairs Minister
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Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, Finance Minister
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Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Health Minister
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Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology
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Mr Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations
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Dr Dominic Akrutinga Ayine, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice
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Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister of Transport
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Colonel Emmanuel Sampson, Director of the NCCRM
Julius Debrah, in his acceptance remarks, pledged to leverage the diverse expertise of the board members to build a resilient early warning system capable of addressing complex and evolving threats.
“This is a critical moment for Ghana,” Debrah said. “We must be ready to respond swiftly to emerging risks, from climate change and cyber threats to public health crises and regional instability.”
The NCCRM is expected to work closely with civil society, security agencies, and international partners to strengthen Ghana’s crisis response infrastructure, enhance data collection, and promote information sharing for faster decision-making.
The board’s formation aligns with Ghana’s regional security obligations as part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and underscores the government’s commitment to proactive crisis management and peacebuilding.
