Accra:President John Dramani Mahama has called for an urgent review of Ghana's national disaster preparedness and emergency response systems in light of recurring floods, fires, and other emergencies across the nation.
According to Ghana Web, the assessment will be conducted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness (NAREP). The goal is to develop a Comprehensive National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness Strategic Plan to enhance disaster prevention, response, and recovery.
Ernest Brogya Genfi, the Presidential Adviser on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness, announced this directive during a symposium commemorating the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. He noted that the initiative aims to create a coordinated national framework to bolster Ghana's ability to manage and recover from disasters.
Recent incidents that prompted this action include severe flooding in parts of Accra and Hohoe, fires at Kumasi Central Market, and a separate fire in Accra's North Industrial Area. These events have caused loss of life, displaced communities, and inflicted significant damage on businesses and property.
The proposed strategic plan will involve consultations with various stakeholders, including government ministries, local assemblies, and the private sector, to address existing vulnerabilities and improve national resilience. The consultations are set to begin next month and will focus on enhancing institutional coordination, risk governance, and emergency preparedness.
Brogya Genfi stressed the importance of better household preparedness and urban flood-risk management, emphasizing the need for improved drainage infrastructure and stricter building regulations to mitigate flood risks. The strategic plan aims to protect lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure, supporting Ghana's development goals.