Time to prioritise disaster risk reduction

The increasing frequency and intensity of disasters in Ghana, from floods and coastal erosion to fire outbreaks and prolonged dry spells, demand urgent national attention.

These events continue to expose the country’s vulnerability and the limitations of a largely reactive approach to disaster management.

At a stakeholders’ consultation held in Accra, the Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Major Dr Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, rightly called for a shift towards a more proactive and preventive strategy.

This call must not only be heeded but acted upon without delay.

For years, Ghana’s disaster response has focused on relief efforts after damage has already occurred.

While such interventions provide temporary support, they do little to prevent recurrence or reduce long-term impact.

 In an era of climate change and growing environmental risks, this approach is no longer adequate.

A major concern is the lack of strong coordination among institutions responsible for disaster management.

Without clear roles, effective collaboration and a unified national framework, efforts to address disaster risks will remain fragmented.

The proposed National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy must, therefore, prioritise coordination, accountability and integration into national and local development planning.

Disaster risk reduction must also be treated as a development priority. Disasters affect not only lives and property but also agriculture, education, health systems and economic growth. Protecting development gains requires that risk reduction be embedded in all sectors of the economy.

The Ghanaian Times notes the significant insights shared by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which indicate that investments in disaster risk reduction can yield substantial returns.

Evidence shows that every investment in prevention and anticipatory action can significantly reduce losses.

This makes a compelling case for increased funding for early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure and preparedness measures.

Particularly worrying is the vulnerability of the agricultural sector, as demonstrated by the 2024 dry spell in northern Ghana.

Such events highlight the need for targeted interventions to support farmers and strengthen resilience in rural communities.

However, effective disaster management goes beyond policy formulation.

It requires strong political will, sustained investment and active participation from all stakeholders, including government, local authorities, the private sector and civil society.

The Ghanaian Times, therefore, calls on government to expedite the development and implementation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy and Action Plan. Local assemblies must be empowered to integrate disaster risk measures into their development plans, while public education should be intensified to promote preventive practices.

Ghana cannot continue to wait for disasters to occur before responding. A proactive approach is not only necessary but urgent.