President Mahama orders review of Ghana’s disaster preparedness systems

President John Dramani Mahama has directed an urgent assessment of Ghana's national disaster preparedness and emergency response systems following recurring floods, market fires and other emergencies across the country.

The assessment, to be undertaken by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness (NAREP), will inform the development of a Comprehensive National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness Strategic Plan to strengthen disaster prevention, response and recovery.

Presidential Adviser on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness, Ernest Brogya Genfi, announced the directive at a high-level symposium marking the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.

He said the exercise would establish a coordinated national framework to improve Ghana's capacity to anticipate, manage and recover from disasters.

The move follows a series of incidents that have claimed lives, displaced communities and caused significant damage to businesses and property.

On June 29, heavy rainfall caused flooding in several parts of Accra, including Weija, Mallam, Achimota, Spintex, Teshie and Kwame Nkrumah Circle, disrupting movement and leaving commuters stranded.

Flooding in Hohoe following the overflow of the Dayi River has also displaced residents, damaged property and disrupted livelihoods.

Fire outbreaks have compounded the situation, including incidents at the Kumasi Central Market on October 9 and 11, which destroyed merchandise and damaged 35 commercial stalls. A separate fire at Accra's North Industrial Area also caused extensive property damage.

Mr Brogya Genfi said such disasters disproportionately affected traders, small business owners and vulnerable households, many of whom lost their investments and sources of livelihood within hours.

He said the incidents, together with past tragedies such as the June 3, 2015 disaster at Kwame Nkrumah Circle and the 2022 Appiatse explosion, reinforced the need for a coordinated, nationwide approach to disaster risk reduction.

As part of the process, NAREP will begin consultations with key institutions and stakeholders next month to develop a strategy that addresses existing vulnerabilities and strengthens national resilience.

The consultations will involve government ministries, departments and agencies, local assemblies, security and emergency services, development partners, academia, civil society, the private sector, traditional authorities and community leaders.

Mr Brogya Genfi said the process would draw on their expertise to improve institutional coordination, risk governance and emergency preparedness.

Speaking under the theme “Resilience Starts at Home,” he also called for stronger household preparedness, accessible early-warning systems and improved urban flood-risk management.

He emphasised the need for better drainage infrastructure, regular desilting of waterways, effective land-use planning and stricter enforcement of building regulations to reduce flood risks.

The proposed strategic plan is expected to provide a unified framework for strengthening disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery while protecting lives, livelihoods, critical infrastructure and national development gains.