As part of efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and response, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Nkwanta South in the Oti Region, Mr. Joseph Antwi Awal, has inaugurated a 13-member National Disaster Management Committee, with a call on members to remain proactive and ready to respond whenever the need arises.
The committee was inaugurated at the MCE’s office in line with the National Disaster Management Organisation Act, 2016 (Act 927). Its mandate is to provide strategic policy direction, harmonise institutional efforts, and enhance resilience against disasters such as floods, epidemics, fires, seismic activities, and conflicts within the municipality.
In addition, the committee is tasked with ensuring the availability of facilities for relief, rehabilitation, and recovery, mobilising financial and logistical support from both public and private sectors, and performing other essential functions aimed at strengthening disaster management in Nkwanta South.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Awal, who also chairs the committee, said its establishment aligns with Ghana’s legal and institutional framework for disaster risk management, reduction, and mitigation. He emphasised the importance of effective coordination across all levels of disaster governance.
“These are not just incidents; they are warnings,” he stated. “They remind us that disaster management must never be reactive. It must be strategic, inclusive, and well-coordinated.”
The MCE expressed concern over the recent surge in fire outbreaks and other disaster-related incidents, describing them as a wake-up call for urgent and responsible action. He therefore urged all relevant stakeholders to work collaboratively to make the municipality safe, resilient, and well-prepared for future disasters.
The Nkwanta South Municipal Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Mr. Bright Gesuokon, described the inauguration as a significant step towards proactive, coordinated, and community-centred disaster management. He revealed that the committee had not convened since 2022, highlighting the importance of its reactivation to effectively address disaster-related challenges.
Mr. Gesuokon also appealed to residents to support the committee in the execution of its mandate.
The 13-member committee is composed of representatives from key institutions, including the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service, Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Information Services Department, Environmental Health Unit, Development Planning Unit, and the Social Welfare Department.
Source GhNewsday Online
