NADMO AND U.S. EMBASSY FINALIZE NATIONAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS BASELINE ASSESSMENT

In a significant partnership aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and response, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) collaborated with the United States Embassy to successfully conclude the National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment (NDPBA) in the Eastern Region. This pivotal event transpired on September 26, 2023, at the Conference Hall of the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council in Koforidua, under the esteemed leadership of the Eastern Regional Minister, Honorable Seth Kwame Acheampong.

The Pacific Disaster Centre, hailing from the United States of America, constituted the expert assessment team entrusted with this critical mission. Renowned for its global reach and extensive experience, the Pacific Disaster Centre has formed impactful partnerships in more than seventy (70) countries. Their unwavering commitment to bolstering disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts in the Eastern Region was evident throughout the collaboration.
Dr. Joseph Green, Director of Applied Science at the Pacific Disaster Centre, articulated the pivotal role of this partnership in his remarks. He underscored the primary goal of acquiring firsthand information concerning critical aspects, including social protection gaps and existing capacities. This wealth of data will be instrumental in fortifying the region’s preparedness against an array of hazards, ranging from earthquakes and flooding to pandemics and disease outbreaks. Dr. Green reaffirmed the Pacific Disaster Centre’s dedication to facilitating effective disaster risk reduction in the region.

Mr. Trevor Johnson, Senior Disaster Management Specialist at the Pacific Disaster Centre, also contributed invaluable insights during the meeting. His focus centered on the Preparedness Baseline Assessment’s role in identifying gaps within the data collection process. Recognizing that precise and comprehensive data forms the cornerstone of effective disaster preparedness, Mr. Johnson’s expertise emphasized the importance of meticulous data gathering for future strategic planning.

The collaborative engagement, attended by members of the Regional Disaster Management Committee and NADMO staff, led to the identification of critical areas requiring attention. These areas encompassed shelter locations and capacity designated for temporary public use, disaster stockpiles, training facilities, equipment, competency, disaster budget source documentation, and socio-economic information.
The collaborative partnership between NADMO and the United States Embassy, facilitated by the Pacific Disaster Centre, represents a significant stride toward strengthening disaster resilience in the Eastern Region of Ghana. This collaborative effort exemplifies the shared commitment to mitigating the impact of disasters and building the region’s capacity to respond effectively.
The knowledge gained and data collected through this initiative will play an instrumental role in shaping disaster preparedness strategies and fostering sustainable development in the region. This collaboration serves as a testament to the power of international cooperation in addressing the ever-present threat of disasters, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for the Eastern Region of Ghana.