Accra: The Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipal office of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has urgently called for relief supplies for 587 residents displaced by a recent flood and rainstorm.
According to Ghana News Agency, the disaster affected 171 male adults, 238 female adults, 88 boys, and 90 girls, with over 253 homes damaged, leaving families in precarious conditions as they sought refuge with friends and relatives. Mr. Edward Sortoh, the KEEA Municipal NADMO Director, made this plea during the 2025 International Day for Disaster Prevention at Bantuma, Elmina.
The event, themed 'Fund resilience, not disaster,' aimed to raise public awareness about disaster risks. Pupils marched through Elmina's streets with placards highlighting messages such as 'Stop beach sand winning' and 'Your safety matters,' emphasizing the urgent need for community action. The day underscored the importance of investing in resilience, preparedness, and sustainable practices to save lives and protect property.
Mr. Sortoh emphasized the necessity for sustained humanitarian aid and robust recovery planning to prevent further hardship, stating the need for immediate and unwavering support. He highlighted the dire requirement for a vehicle to aid NADMO KEEA's mission and urged collective support.
Mr. Kwesi Dawood, the Central Regional Director of NADMO, highlighted the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, initiated by the UN in 1989 to promote global disaster prevention. He noted Ghana's advancements in disaster management, including better early warning systems and community-based risk reduction, emphasizing local resilience for sustainable development.
Mr. Dawood warned about rising coastal sea levels, driven by human activities, and condemned harmful practices like sand winning and building on waterways. He stressed collective responsibility to protect natural land and water boundaries for sustainable development and disaster prevention.
Mr. Ismael Augustus Zagoon-Saed, the Municipal Chief Executive, highlighted the importance of addressing poor sanitation practices to prevent flooding and environmental degradation. The Municipal Assembly plans to enhance public education, enforce sanitation laws, and improve waste management services.
Nana Kwesi Kwegya Ankomah IV, Chief of Elmina-Bantuma, emphasized enhancing disaster preparedness and condemned unauthorized constructions on waterways, urging their demolition to prevent flooding.
