Essence of NADMO is not distribution of relief items - Coordinator

Accra, Oct. 9, GNA - The essence of NADMO is not the distribution of relief items but to prevent disasters, especially those that can be controlled and protect lives and properties in disaster management, the National Coordinator said on Thursday.

Mr George Isaac Amoo, who was interacting with officials of NADMO in Tema during a familiarization tour, said the city was a disaster-prone area as it had industries and development activities, which could be harmful to inhabitants.

He cautioned industrialists to be mindful of their daily activities involving chemical spillage and other waste products that could cause epidemic.

Mr Amoo said if the impact of these activities was not checked it could cost the nation billions of cedis or loss of lives.

"The nation cannot afford to spend huge amounts of money on disasters, which are caused by our own carelessness and negligence, which could be used for other areas of importance such as education and health," he added.

Mr Amoo called on Ghanaians to embark on tree planting to minimize the impact of disasters such as rainstorms that could rip off roofs of buildings.

He emphasized the need for proper development projects, avoidance of poor planning and structures that were springing up in the communities.

The District Chief Executive of Ga East District Assembly, Mr Quartey Papafio advised people who were living in wooden structures to be mindful of the use of open flames such as candles. He called on the public to reduce the impact of disasters by reframing from building on waterways, wetlands and flood prone areas. Some of the assemblies visited were the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Ga East, Dangbe West and Tema.