Bongo: Mr Patrick Anamoo Akuntubgo, the Acting Bongo District Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has called for a shift from reactive disaster response to proactive investment in resilience and preparedness. He emphasized that while disasters often strike suddenly, their impacts can be significantly mitigated with proper planning, community involvement, and the right investments in early warning systems, education, and infrastructure.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Akuntubgo made these remarks during a ceremony in Bongo to mark this year's International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, observed globally on October 13 to increase awareness on strategies for minimizing disaster impacts. The event featured a route march and awareness campaign with participants holding placards bearing messages like 'Fund resilience, not disaster 2025' and 'Fire prevention is key to safety tomorrow.'
Mr Akuntubgo highlighted the theme for this year's observance, 'Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,' as a call for governments, development partners, and communities to prioritize preventive measures over reactive ones. He expressed concern that resources are often mobilized only after disasters occur, a practice he deemed unsustainable. He questioned the potential benefits of investing in preventive measures such as building stronger infrastructure and training youth in emergency response before disasters strike.
He noted that the Bongo District faces challenges like erratic rainfall, floods, droughts, bushfires, and poor waste management, which heighten community vulnerability. However, he emphasized the district's resilience and the need for it to be supported by resources, planning, and political will. He assured that NADMO is committed to shifting focus from disaster response to risk reduction through education, community engagement, and partnerships.
Mr Akuntubgo outlined efforts to strengthen community education and awareness by creating zonal offices, training disaster volunteer groups, collaborating with local authorities and youth groups, and establishing school-based disaster clubs. He also mentioned NADMO's collaboration with development partners to direct resources to vulnerable communities to enhance their preparedness and response capabilities.
He called on all stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, the media, and the private sector, to support the initiative of building resilience. He emphasized that disaster risk reduction should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost. He urged policymakers to prioritize disaster risk reduction in budgets and encouraged donors and development partners to focus on long-term resilience rather than only emergency relief.
Addressing the youth, Mr Akuntubgo encouraged active participation in climate action and environmental protection, identifying them as future custodians of community safety and sustainability. He concluded by asserting that in the Bongo District, the focus would be on preparation, planning, and investing in resilience to ensure that people are not merely victims of disasters but architects of their safety and survival.
