Upper West NADMO Urges Public to Prioritize Prevention and Resilience in Disaster Risk Reduction

The Upper West Regional Office of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has called on residents to adopt a proactive approach to disaster management, emphasizing resilience and proper planning over reliance on emergency response.

Mr. Abdul-Latif Osuman Sinsew, the Regional NADMO Coordinator, underscored the importance of community-led prevention strategies, highlighting that effective settlement planning is key to reducing disaster risks.

Speaking during the commemoration of the 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) at Charikpong in the Nadowli-Kaleo District, Mr. Sinsew emphasized that disaster preparedness begins with individual and collective resilience. “Disasters often result from unpreparedness,” he stated.

“Investing in prevention and resilience is more effective than waiting for NADMO support after a catastrophe occurs.”

The regional NADMO boss urged citizens to prioritize resilience, advocating for investments in proactive measures that can mitigate potential hazards before they manifest into crises. “It is crucial that we shift from reactive responses to preventive actions,” he added.

Ghana joins the global community in observing IDDRR under the theme “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,” reflecting a worldwide emphasis on strengthening resilience to reduce disaster impacts.

Supporting this initiative, the Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lawnga Puozuing ESQ, announced the government’s plans to establish a National Resilience and Disaster Fund.

This fund aims to ensure the availability of resources not only for disaster response but also for prevention, mitigation, and recovery efforts. Minister Puozuing highlighted that this initiative is backed by partnerships with NADMO, the Ministry of Interior, development agencies such as UNDP, UNDRR, and the World Bank.

The Presiding Member of Nadowli-Kaleo District, Hon. Braimah Yakubu, representing the District Chief Executive, called on community members to actively participate in disaster prevention activities, notably tree planting, which can play a significant role in environmental management and hazard mitigation.

As Ghana observes this year’s IDDRR, officials and stakeholders continue to emphasize that resilience-building and strategic planning are vital to safeguarding communities from the increasing threat of disasters.