The Deputy Director General of Operations of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Hon. Teddy Safori Addi, has completed a week-long working tour of Ghana’s two northern regions to assess disaster risks, response readiness, and community resilience.
The regions visited, Upper East and Upper West, (Wa. Lawra, Jirapa, Nandom and Zebilla) are considered high-risk zones for climate-related disasters such as flooding, drought, and windstorms.
Hon. Safori Addi was accompanied by an official from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as part of a joint initiative to improve disaster response strategies and address displacement caused by extreme weather events.
The purpose of the visit was to have a firsthand assessment of the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) in the various districts in the two regions
“This tour was also about getting closer to the realities on the ground,” said Hon. Safori Addi.
“We want to understand the specific challenges communities face and work with our partners to deliver practical, life-saving solutions.”
The tour included visits to flood-prone communities, temporary shelters, and district NADMO offices.
During the tour, Hon. Safori Addi and his team also engaged with NADMO regional disaster response units, local government officials, and affected residents.
Community leaders raised concerns and challenges about poor drainage infrastructure, limited relief supplies, and the lack of early warning systems, especially as the rainy season approaches and their preparedness towards it.
A representative from IOM reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting NADMO in preventing and managing internal displacement caused by natural hazards.
“Strengthening local response systems is key to protecting vulnerable populations,” the IOM official noted.
Adding that “Our partnership with NADMO aims to build resilience at the community level.”
The tour is part of NADMO’s nationwide strategy to decentralise disaster response and promote local-level preparedness.
Hon. Safori Addi assured communities that their concerns had been noted and would be factored into future planning.
“Building disaster resilience is not just a national priority, it’s a local responsibility,” he emphasised.
The tour also includes a courtesy call on the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Danatus Atanga
The visit has already sparked renewed interest among local assemblies and traditional leaders in collaborating more closely with NADMO and its partners in disaster risk reduction and recovery planning.
