By Francis Kwabena Cofie
Agbogba (G/A), May 19, GNA — The Ga East Municipal National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has embarked on a disaster reduction sensitization exercise at Agbogba, a suburb of the municipality in Accra.
The exercise was aimed at raising awareness on disaster preparedness and risk reduction within the municipality ahead of the incoming rainy season.
It focused on fire safety, flood mitigation, and the growing impact of climate change.
Activities undertaken during the exercise included public education on disaster preparedness, fire safety and prevention demonstrations, flood risk awareness talks, climate change education, and mitigation strategies.
The programme was held on the theme: “Building a resilient Ga East through awareness, preparedness and community action.”
In an address, the Greater Accra Regional Director of NADMO, Mr. Dennis Adjammor Nartey, emphasized the importance of community members being well-informed about safety precautions ahead of the rains to avoid or mitigate the impact of disasters.
He noted that disaster risk reduction is a shared responsibility that requires an all-hands-on-deck approach to achieve the desired results.
According to him, information available to his office indicates that there will be heavy rains this year, and he urged residents to discourage and report environmental offences, particularly dumping refuse into drains, which clogs gutters and contributes to flooding.
Mr. Nartey disclosed that there is currently a reward package for persons who report such offences through a dedicated code, adding that the identities of whistleblowers will be protected in line with the Whistleblower Act.
He said Ga East has been identified as one of 11 flood-prone areas in the Greater Accra Region, adding that the programme also includes identifying safe havens where residents can take refuge in the event of disasters.
He further stated that NADMO is strengthening resilience mechanisms and effectively activating its core mandate of disaster prevention, noting that the focus has shifted from merely distributing relief items after disasters to proactive prevention.
He urged District Volunteer Groups to remain in readiness to respond to potential emergencies during periods of heavy rainfall.
Mr. Nartey also stressed the importance of strong collaboration between the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and NADMO staff to achieve effective results.
On his part, the Ga East Municipal NADMO Director, Mr. Edem Agbenyefia, cautioned prospective developers to desist from building on waterways in order to reduce flooding incidents.
He said his office conducts bi-weekly public sensitization exercises on Tuesdays and Thursdays to educate residents on flood prevention and environmental safety practices for safer living.
He appealed to traditional and opinion leaders, the clergy, assembly members, and other stakeholders to consistently spread disaster prevention messages within their communities.
The Ga East Municipal Head of the National Ambulance Service, Mr. Sylvanus Agbekoh, urged the public to learn basic first aid skills to enable them to assist during emergency situations such as floods.
He also cautioned against prank calls, noting that such behavior could deprive victims of timely emergency response.
In a closing remark, the Ga East Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Edmond Agboh, who was Guest of Honour, urged residents to be mindful of their environmental practices and to serve as environmental stewards in promoting disaster management awareness.
He encouraged community members to take proactive steps to safeguard their properties, livelihoods, and loved ones as the rainy season approaches.
GNA
Edited by Audrey Dekalu