By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Oct. 13, GNA – Emeritus Professor Jacob Songsore, of the Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana (UG), has called for improved urban planning, better housing and greater protection for vulnerable communities to strengthen disaster resilience in Ghana and West Africa.
He said the region’s relative poverty and limited contribution to many of the problems driving disasters placed it in a disadvantaged position, although its people often bore the consequences.
Emeritus Prof. Songsore said this at the West Africa commemoration of the 2026 International Day of Disaster Risk and Reduction (IDDRR), organised by the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences (SNAS) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission and the University of Ghana, on the theme, “Resilience Starts at Home,” in Accra.
Emeritus Prof. Songsore said governments and local authorities must prioritise proper human settlement planning and improve living conditions for the poor.
He expressed concern about the eviction of vulnerable residents without adequate alternatives, stressing that poor people were essential to the functioning of cities and should not be treated as disposable.
“It’s important to know that the poor matter,” he said, calling for safe and suitable spaces where vulnerable populations could live meaningful lives and sustain their livelihoods.
Emeritus Prof. Songsore said moving from disaster response to prevention required the application of science and technology, greater public awareness of risks, and stronger commitment from municipal and district assemblies and the State.
He described the absence of proper structural plans to guide urban development as a disaster, warning that poorly planned cities could increase communities’ vulnerability to hazards.
He said the Department had introduced a programme in Disaster Risk Reduction Science through its links with the Africa Disaster Risk Reduction Network, to strengthen knowledge and expertise in the field.
Emeritus Professor Songsore added that plans were underway to establish a centre focused on artificial intelligence and expand the Department’s academic programmes to include climate change, gender and development, and disaster risk reduction.
He said combining scientific knowledge, responsible urban planning and inclusive development was essential to reducing disaster risks and protecting vulnerable populations.
Prof. Samuel B. Dampare, the Director-General, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), called for sustained public education, community sensitisation and stronger institutional collaboration to improve disaster preparedness and resilience.
He said building resilience required proactive measures to enable individuals, households and communities to anticipate hazards, understand early warnings, and respond effectively to emergencies.
He noted that West Africa faced diverse hazards, including floods, soil and coastal erosion, landslides, tidal waves, fires, road accidents, conflicts, earthquakes and environmental degradation, requiring coordinated and inclusive risk-reduction strategies.
Prof. Dampare stressed the need for government agencies, scientific institutions, academia, emergency services, communities, the private sector, civil society, the media and development partners to work together before disasters occurred.
He said simulation exercises, emergency drills and joint training were essential to test preparedness plans, clarify responsibilities and identify gaps, helping to prevent confusion, duplication of efforts and delays during emergencies.
“Science, technology and innovation also plays critical roles in understanding hazards, strengthening early warning systems, assessing vulnerabilities and supporting evidence-based decisions,” he added.
The Director-General emphasised the importance of translating scientific knowledge into practical guidance that individuals and communities could understand and apply.
Prof. Dampare urged participants to share experiences and develop practical solutions that would strengthen institutional capacity, improve community preparedness, and protect lives, livelihoods and infrastructure.
He said the success of the engagement would depend on stakeholders’ commitment to sustaining partnerships and applying the knowledge gained beyond the programme.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo