Patience Gbeze
Accra, Sept. 21, GNA – The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has organised a day’s simulation exercise for its stakeholders, to test the Country’s preparedness to manage possible election crisis.
The exercise dubbed “Exercise Stay Safe,” brought together representatives of all security agencies, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana National Ambulance Service, Ghana Red Cross Society, Ministry of Information, National Commission on Civic Education, and CSOs.
The exercise took place simultaneously in three regions; the Northern, Greater Accra and the Ashanti Regions, all Regional Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) in the three regions were also activated in line with operational arrangement of the exercise.
Mr Seji Saji Amedono, the Deputy Director General in charge of Technical and Reforms, NADMO said similarly, two EOCs in two districts within each of those regions were also activated, alongside the United Nations System and Nigerian EOCs respectively.
He said although Ghana had generally established a firm perspective in the sub-region for the conduct of a peaceful elections and smooth transition of power, observable occurrences across the sub-region provided context and lessons necessary for her to prepare towards the mitigation of any fallouts from the forthcoming elections.
“Ghana is not immune to electioneering crisis. The difference in personality, psychological behaviour, ideology, ethnic, religious, political orientation and temperament remains a thriving catalyst for election crisis.
“In the recent past, internal party elections and primaries have generated violence to considerable proportions. The scenarios suggest a situation of more concern, especially where different political parties engage in elections with opposing ideologies,” he added.
The Deputy Director General noted the simulation exercise was in line with NADMO’s mandate to coordinate agencies and stakeholders towards the management of activities with humanitarian consequences, hence the exercise was to test their readiness to manage possible election crisis.
Mrs Anna Mukiibu-Bunnya, the Deputy Country Director of World Food Programme, on behalf of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr Charles Abani, said the pre-election exercise was timely, especially as Ghana prepared for her general election.
She said the presence of all stakeholders underscored their collective commitment, not only to ensure peaceful elections, but to adopt a proactive approach in preventing election-related violence and disasters.
She announced that the UN had identified four key areas to support national efforts in the upcoming elections.
These areas include peace processes and peace building, hate speech, dialogue and good offices, disinformation, and safety of journalists.
She therefore assured stakeholders of the continuous support of the UN and its partners to Government and NADMO, in building reliance into disaster planning and response systems.
“Strengthening community-based resilience systems will be essential to mitigate potential risks and ensure preparedness for emerging crises,” Mrs Mukiibu-Bunnya added.
She also commended NADMO for the initiative and urged stakeholders and government agencies to work together to ensure successful, peaceful election in the country.
All the stakeholders took their turn to analyse the various scenarios and the roles they would play in saving lives and properties in case of any election crisis.
GNA