‘If you’re planning relief, you’re expecting disasters’ – Security analyst questions NADMO’s priorities

The Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Security and Counterterrorism, Emmanuel Kotin, has criticised the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) for what he describes as an overemphasis on disaster relief at the expense of prevention.

Speaking on Current Agenda on July 4, 2026, Kotin argued that NADMO’s spending priorities suggest the organisation is more focused on responding to disasters than preventing them.

He questioned why a significant portion of NADMO’s budget is allocated to relief operations instead of measures aimed at reducing disaster risks.

“With NADMO, it looks as though most of your planning activities are geared towards giving relief rather than doing the prevention aspect. If you look at your budget, over 70% is spent on reliefs. Why?” he asked.

“If you plan to give reliefs, you are indicating that you are expecting a disaster.”

Kotin said while providing relief to victims is essential, it should not become the centrepiece of disaster management. According to him, prioritising relief over prevention creates the impression that disasters are inevitable and that the state’s role is simply to respond after lives and property have already been lost.

Kotin called for a shift towards prevention, preparedness and risk reduction, arguing that such an approach would save more lives and reduce the economic impact of disasters.

He urged authorities to strengthen the enforcement of building regulations, regularly desilt drains, improve public education on disaster preparedness, invest in early warning systems and work closely with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to prevent construction in flood-prone areas.

NADMO is the state agency responsible for coordinating disaster management in Ghana. Its mandate includes disaster prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery, as well as public education and collaboration with other institutions to reduce the impact of emergencies.

His comments come in the wake of the recent flooding in Accra and Tema, which claimed lives, displaced residents and destroyed property, prompting NADMO to distribute relief items to affected communities.

Watch a bird's-eye view of how illegal structures fuel flooding in Accra