By Emmanuel Gamson
Takoradi, Sept. 9, GNA – The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has initiated steps to assess and review its disaster management plans for persons with special needs.
The assessment is a collaborative effort between NADMO, Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) and the Metropolitan Department of Social Welfare to
identify policy gaps, develop strategies and update information on helping vulnerable groups to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disaster.
Madam Emma Adu Boafo, the STMA NADMO Public Relations Officer (PRO), was speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Takoradi.
She said: “When disaster happens, everyone in the community is affected, yet people with special needs face greater obstacles due to limited resources, communication barriers and restricted mobility.”
She said the assessment would offer valuable information to stakeholders to design and direct emergency measures and communication strategies to reduce the risk of vulnerable people to disaster impact.
Madam Boafo noted that as part of activities for the assessment, a checklist had been given to Assembly Members within the metropolis to identify targeted individuals and their peculiar needs within their areas to help develop tailor-made disaster management programmes.
“We will undertake informative sessions with social welfare, school for the deaf and community locations using audios, visuals, sign languages and other tactile methods to understand the needs of these groups,” added.
She called on all stakeholders to collaborate and produce comprehensive strategies “so we can significantly reduce the vulnerability of persons with special needs to disaster, and promote a culture of inclusivity, equality, and resilience.
“A brighter future for all can only be achieved by recognizing and addressing the unique needs and contributions of these people.”
GNA