In a decisive move to strengthen Ghana’s disaster preparedness and response, Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has inaugurated the National Disaster Management Committee under the National Disaster Management Organisation Act, 2016 (Act 927).
The Committee is tasked with coordinating disaster management activities nationwide, providing strategic policy direction, harmonizing institutional efforts, and enhancing resilience against hazards such as floods, epidemics, fires, seismic risks, and conflicts.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra, Mr. Mubarak underscored the importance of proactive measures over reactive responses.
“Investing in preparedness and resilience is far less costly than recovery efforts,” he said. “We must adopt a participatory, human-centered approach that ensures no community is left behind.”
The Minister drew on lessons from the Akosombo Dam spillage in October 2023, which displaced tens of thousands and exposed significant gaps in preparedness, coordination, and resourcing.
“That tragedy reminded us that we cannot afford to be complacent. I urge the Committee to strengthen multi-stakeholder coordination frameworks, enhance early warning systems, and develop dedicated contingency funding mechanisms,” he stressed.
Under its mandate, the Committee will ensure adequate facilities for relief, rehabilitation, and recovery; mobilize financial and logistical support from both public and private sectors; and execute other critical functions to bolster disaster management nationwide.
Mr. Mubarak assured members of the government’s full backing.
“Government’s support is unwavering. We will empower and adequately resource NADMO to deliver effectively on its mandate,” he affirmed.
The inauguration marks a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to build a more resilient disaster management system, with the Committee expected to begin work immediately on strengthening national readiness and safeguarding communities.
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