The Central Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Mr. Hon. Kwesi Dawood, has urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to approve budgets submitted by NADMO Directors in their respective districts to help prevent disasters before they occur.
He made this call during the inauguration of the District Disaster Management Committee on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Ekumfi District Assembly, Essakyir.
The committee includes the District Director of Education, the Ambulance Commander, the District Police Commander, the Fire Service Commander, the NADMO District Director, and the Ekumfi DCE, who serves as chairman, among others.
Mr. Dawood explained that most assemblies often refuse to approve NADMO budgets, citing lack of funds. He noted that such actions result in higher costs when disasters eventually strike. He stressed that the cost of prevention is far less than the cost of managing disasters after they occur.
He also highlighted the major challenges facing NADMO in coastal areas, particularly illegal sand winning, which contributes to coastal erosion. He added that the government’s ongoing sea defense projects are part of efforts to address such threats and protect coastal communities.
The Ekumfi District NADMO Director, *Nana Okanta Obise IV* (also known as *Mr. Peter Amoah)*, assured that the committee will work effectively to ensure the smooth operation of NADMO activities within the district, with support from the DCE.
He appealed to the District Assembly, led by Hon. Ismaeel Nana Asamoah, to provide financial and logistical support such as vehicles and other essential equipment to enhance their operations.
Nana Okanta further noted that disaster prevention and management should not be seen as the sole responsibility of the government. He called on individuals, corporate bodies, and all financially capable persons in society to support NADMO’s work to safeguard lives and properties.
He also issued a strong warning to encroachers and individuals who build on waterlogged or unauthorized lands, cautioning that such offenders will face legal action, as their activities pose risks to vulnerable residents.
