Mahama orders urgent review of Ghana’s disaster preparedness systems
President John Dramani Mahama has directed an urgent review of Ghana’s disaster preparedness and emergency response systems in the wake of recurring floods, market fires and other emergencies across the country.
Presidential Adviser on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness, Ernest Brogya Genfi, disclosed this at a symposium to mark the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
He said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness (NAREP) would lead the assessment, which is expected to inform the development of a Comprehensive National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness Strategic Plan.
According to him, the proposed plan will strengthen disaster prevention, emergency response and recovery efforts while improving coordination among institutions responsible for managing emergencies.
The directive comes amid recent flooding in several parts of Accra, including Weija, Mallam, Achimota, Spintex, Teshie and Kwame Nkrumah Circle. Hohoe has also experienced flooding following the overflow of the Dayi River.
Fire outbreaks have equally resulted in significant losses. On October 9 and 11, fires at the Kumasi Central Market damaged 35 commercial stalls and destroyed merchandise. Another fire at Accra’s North Industrial Area caused extensive property damage.
Mr Brogya Genfi noted that traders, small business owners and vulnerable households often suffer the greatest consequences of such disasters, losing their investments and livelihoods within a short period.
He cited the recurring emergencies, alongside major past tragedies such as the June 3, 2015 disaster at Kwame Nkrumah Circle and the 2022 Appiatse explosion, as evidence of the need for a coordinated, nationwide disaster risk reduction strategy.
NAREP is expected to begin consultations next month with government agencies, local assemblies, emergency services, development partners, academia, civil society organisations, private sector representatives and community leaders to help shape the proposed plan.
Speaking under the theme “Resilience Starts at Home,” Mr Brogya Genfi called for accessible early-warning systems, improved drainage infrastructure, regular desilting of waterways, effective land-use planning and stricter enforcement of building regulations.
The proposed strategy is expected to establish a unified national framework to protect lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure while strengthening Ghana’s capacity to prevent, manage and recover from future disasters.
By Esther Padmore Amonoo
