More investments needed to manage disaster - Porturphy

Accra, July 5, GNA - The National Secretariat of National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) on Tuesday observed that though government had invested substantially in disaster management, it should intensify efforts to prevent disasters and make towns and cities resilient.

Mr Kofi Porturphy, NADMO National Coordinator, who made the observation said despite government's resource allocation and instituted contingency plans, the challenges were still enormous.

Speaking at a National Platform for Disaster Risk Management Reduction and Climate Change Risk Management in Accra, Mr Porturphy said government had spent a lot of money to desilt drains, redesigned bridges and culverts along Odaw river, Madina Trassaco, Sakaman, Ada, Kasoa-Okrudu stream and Dukona to reduce flooding.

The platform brought together experts to share ideas on practices and how best to manage disasters to make life after disaster better.

Mr Porturphy cited the paralglider who was involved in an accident at the Atibie-Kwahu Forest recently and the hindrances that accompanied his rescue in addition to the recent floods that occurred in some parts of the country which undermined the nation's limited resources in handling disaster.

He said despite government's interventions, the challenges remained enormous and expressed appreciation to members of the platform for bringing their expertise to bear, adding, 93As a country, we must endeavour to mainstream disaster management into the nation's development."

Mr Porturphy announced that 10 pilot projects on disaster management had been established in some districts and when proved successful, it would be replicated in other parts of the country.

He noted that the major responsibility was to undertake analytical studies and review them for improvement. Mr Porturphy said a new policy on disaster management had been submitted to government and its acceptance would make an impact on disaster management in the country.

"Residents should know that when they create hazards, it does not affect them only but others as well," he said. Mr Philip Oduro Amoako, Chairman of Geological Disaster

Sub-Committee of NADMO, said Ghana could not record the tremor which occurred last February because the only seismograph was faulty.

He said the practice of building haphazardly without recourse to laid down procedure was disturbing and advised that in the face of climate change and unstable environment conditions, authorities should put in place measures to make it easier for residents to manage any disaster.

Dr Samuel O. Sackey, Chairman of Epidemic Sub-Committee of NADMO, said Ghana Health Service had put in place measures to curb emerging epidemics and urged the public to adhere to basic hygiene and take outbreak of diseases serious.

Dr Nii Amoo Darko, Member of Council of State, noted that managing disaster was a costly venture and called on Ghanaians to help prevent the occurrence of man-made disasters.