The Member of Parliament for Salaga North, Alhassan Mumuni, has urged the government to immediately implement the National Disaster Management Fund. This fund, established under the NADMO Act, 2016 (Act 927), aims to provide the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) with a sustainable source of financing for disaster management. Mumuni's call comes after recent flooding incidents in the North East Gonja District and Hohoe in the Volta Region.
Recent flooding in the North East Gonja District displaced nearly 300 residents, while over 50,000 people were affected in Hohoe. Mumuni stated that the delay in operationalising the fund is affecting NADMO's ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies, particularly at the district level. He emphasized that NADMO's mandate extends beyond responding to disasters to include prevention, preparedness, and swift response.
Mumuni highlighted the challenges faced by NADMO officials at the district level, where they are expected to be first responders during disasters. Many district offices lack basic logistics, including vehicles, to enable officials to reach affected communities quickly. He noted that some district directors do not have vehicles to respond to incidents, hindering NADMO's effectiveness.
The MP stressed that operationalising the National Disaster Management Fund would address logistical and financial constraints, providing NADMO with a reliable resource base. Adequate funding would enable the organisation to strengthen disaster prevention and preparedness, rather than relying on post-disaster interventions. This would help mitigate the impact of disasters on communities.
Mumuni's call for immediate implementation of the fund is supported by the recent flooding incidents, which demonstrated the importance of a sufficiently resourced disaster management system. He urged the government to prioritise the fund's implementation and provide NADMO with the necessary financial and logistical support to fulfill its mandate.
The Salaga North MP's concerns about NADMO's capacity are shared by many, who argue that a well-resourced disaster management system is crucial for Ghana. The organisation's ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies is critical in saving lives and reducing the impact of disasters on communities.
The implementation of the National Disaster Management Fund is expected to enhance NADMO's capabilities, ensuring that the organisation can respond promptly to emergencies. This, in turn, will help reduce the vulnerability of communities to disasters and promote sustainable development.
Key points
- The National Disaster Management Fund aims to provide NADMO with a sustainable source of financing for disaster management.
- Recent flooding incidents have displaced hundreds of residents and highlighted the need for a well-resourced disaster management system.
- The implementation of the fund is expected to enhance NADMO's capabilities and reduce the vulnerability of communities to disasters.
