Keta: The Keta Municipal office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has celebrated the 2025 edition of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) with a focus on protecting the environment. The occasion was themed 'Fund Resilience, Not Disaster' and gathered stakeholders, government officials, students, educators, media houses, and community members.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, took part in the event and emphasized the importance for assemblies and the public to prioritize disaster risk reduction to sustain the environment. He highlighted the necessity of funding resilience efforts, enforcing physical planning regulations, and taking action against unauthorized construction in disaster-prone areas.
Mr Gunu explained that the 2025 IDDR celebration in Keta was a call to action, reflecting a growing recognition that resilience should be funded, planned, and rooted in community participation. He commended the Keta Municipal NADMO office and its partners for their leadership in aligning local actions with global disaster risk reduction goals.
Mr Pascal Agbagba, Volta Regional NADMO Director, urged stakeholders to invest in resilience rather than disaster. He highlighted essential preventative measures such as improving drainage systems, regular de-silting of gutters, tree planting, and community clean-up exercises. 'It is good enough to task various stakeholders and the public to invest in resilience and disaster risk management and reduction to save the communities,' he stated.
Mr Wisdom Seade, Keta Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), mentioned that local initiatives were in place to mitigate flooding and environmental degradation. He noted that sand winning activities, a challenge along the coastal communities, have been halted, and monthly clean-up exercises are being implemented to maintain cleanliness across electoral areas.
Mr Wonder Setsoafia Deynu, Keta Municipal NADMO Director, informed the Ghana News Agency that NADMO is committed to deepening community engagement in disaster prevention. He announced the formation of 'NADMO Fun Clubs' in schools and the establishment of Disaster Volunteer Groups (DVGs) across various institutions to educate the public on environmental protection.
As part of the program, a seminar was held at the Municipal Assembly Hall, and a symbolic tree planting exercise was conducted at the Keta Nursing and Midwifery Training College. These activities served as platforms for education, awareness creation, and action on disaster preparedness and climate resilience in the municipality.
The public was urged to show commitment and continue collaboration and community engagement in disaster risk reduction efforts to promote good and healthy living.
