In a statement issued on Thursday, December 19, 2025, the Service explained that the coordinated response will focus on completely removing the bees’ habitat and strengthening safety protocols around school environments to avert similar incidents in the future.

The update follows a tragic bee attack at the school on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, which affected a total of 30 people within the school community.

According to the GES, the injured included five teachers who were stung while attempting to rescue learners, three school feeding cooks and 22 pupils. Two of the affected learners later died from their injuries.

Management of the Service expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and sympathised with the Anloga E.P. Basic School community over the loss.

For victims who sustained varying degrees of injury, the GES wished them a speedy recovery and assured them of the Service’s full support throughout the recovery process.

The Service also commended teachers, officials of the Ghana National Fire Service and community members for their swift intervention, which it said helped to avert an otherwise more devastating situation.

ALSO READ:

One dead, 13 injured in head-on collision on Ho Power-House Road

John Kumah’s widow, Lilian Owusu remarries

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) NADMO Administrator, Jamal-Deen Ibrahim Seidu, identified irresponsible waste disposal, illegal construction, and disregard for drainage regulations as the main drivers of flooding in the Ashanti Region.

Speaking on the sidelines of the World Soil Day celebration at the Soil Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-SRI) in Kumasi, Mr Seidu stressed that authorities cannot fight floods effectively without a change in public behaviour.

“Floods in the Ashanti Region are largely a result of indiscipline. People throw rubbish into gutters, block waterways, and build on waterlogged land. When the rains come, the water has nowhere to go,” he said.

He revealed that a new law awaiting presidential assent will empower NADMO to demolish structures illegally erected in flood-prone areas, strengthening enforcement efforts.

“We need the legal power to act decisively,” Mr Seidu noted, adding that weak enforcement has allowed encroachment on waterways to persist over the years.

Despite the challenges, he said the region recorded relatively low flood incidents in 2025, attributing the improvement to intensified public education and sensitisation campaigns.

“Because of the heightened sensitisation, we did not experience any flood cases that got out of control, especially here in the Kumasi metropolis,” he stated.

Mr Seidu also disclosed that NADMO has been organising regular clean-up exercises across the metropolis, clearing choked gutters and removing waste to allow free flow of rainwater. These interventions, he said, helped prevent major flooding during the rainy season.

He further called on the government to redesign and upgrade drainage systems, noting that many existing structures are outdated and unable to handle increasing rainfall linked to climate change and rapid urbanisation.

The World Soil Day event, held under the theme “Healthy Soil for Healthy Cities,” brought together researchers, students, local authorities, and environmental groups, all emphasising the need for responsible land use and proper waste management.

Mr Seidu urged residents to stop dumping refuse into waterways, respect drainage easements, and report illegal developments, warning that preventing flooding is a shared responsibility.

“Together we can turn the tide against flooding,” he concluded.

READ ALSO:

• 
  Man nearly lynched for allegedly stealing fridge parts at Kasoa Walantu
• AG has constitutional authority over OSP, including power to enter nolle prosequi – Kwame Akuffo
• Gary Nimako urges lawyers to show fidelity to the law

Speaking to Adom News in Kenyasi, Mr. Adu Bonsu expressed concern over the increasing rate at which residents continue to litter streets and gutters despite regular cleanup exercises.

He warned that the situation poses serious health and environmental risks and requires collective effort to address.

Going forward, he cautioned, traders operating along gutters must ensure that drains are kept clean at all times. Anyone found contributing to unsanitary conditions will face prosecution by NADMO and the Environmental Health Department.

Mr. Adu Bonsu also urged assembly members and traditional leaders to stop intervening on behalf of sanitation offenders, stressing that such actions undermine efforts to improve cleanliness in the region.

He emphasised that NADMO and the Environmental Health Department will no longer entertain pleas or apologies for offenders, with strict enforcement measures to be applied to restore proper sanitation standards.

READ ALSO:

• Galamsey Fight: Ambassador calls for more comprehensive media reporting
• MobileMoney LTD honours key partners and innovators at 2025 Fintech Stakeholder Dinner & Awards
• Finance Minister proposes incentive plan for Tax Centres to retain a percentage of revenue collected

Speaking during a galamsey dialogue at the Akyem Oda lorry station when the Dwaso Nsem team visited, Fiagbenu said:

“When I resumed office at NADMO on May 7, we, together with the Municipal Chief Executive and some supporting NGOs, launched programs to reclaim degraded lands and introduce tree crops. The goal is to provide alternative livelihoods for youth involved in illegal mining and reduce galamsey activity.”

He added that the initiative also aligns with government efforts to reset the economic vision for the area:

“When we first came, we received reports of galamsey pits in the community. We even heard of a schoolgirl who fell into one of these holes. As NADMO, whose priority is the safety and wellbeing of people, we had to act immediately.”

Mr. Fiagbenu noted that the tree-planting and land reclamation programs are part of a broader strategy to give youth meaningful activities while restoring degraded ecosystems.

“By engaging the community, providing alternatives, and protecting the lands, we are ensuring that the lives of our people are safeguarded and that our environment recovers,” he said.

ALSO READ:

Galamsey: Gov’t holds power over lands – Akyem Kotoku Krontihene [Listen]

Hwidiem Chiefs apologize to President Mahama over youth attack on Anti-Galamsey Taskforce

Suspect arrested over galamsey claims against Regional Ministers

The incident reportedly occurred when unidentified smoke—suspected to have resulted from a dynamite blast—filled parts of the underground mine, affecting miners believed to be illegal operators.

Speaking to Adom News, Mr. Sarsah revealed that three bodies have so far been recovered and deposited at the morgue.

“At this point, we cannot confirm how many people were underground when the incident happened. We have retrieved three bodies, but we are still receiving reports from community members about missing relatives,” he said.

He added that NADMO is collaborating with other relevant agencies to determine the cause of the disaster.

“Investigations are ongoing to establish what exactly led to the incident and who may have carried out the alleged blasting that produced the toxic fumes,” he noted.

Mr. Sarsah also appealed for increased government support to strengthen NADMO’s emergency response capabilities.

“We are urging government to continue supporting NADMO and equip us with the necessary tools so we can be more effective in preventing and managing disasters,” he added.

READ ALSO:

• 
  NPP supporters protest over continued detention of former BOST MD 
• Ministry of Lands engages Amantena residents on mining regulations
• Agric Minister outlines plans for a National Farmers’ Market [Audio]

Regional NADMO Director, Alhaji Abdul Nasir Mohammed, said the checks—conducted between October and November—uncovered shops operating without basic safety tools such as fire alarms, smoke detectors, or functioning extinguishers.

“We found shops without fire alarms, no smoke detectors, and no functional extinguishers,” he said. “Some of the wiring is done with inferior materials. These are ticking time bombs in facilities that host thousands daily.”

The inspections also revealed poor and illegal electrical connections, including exposed wiring, even in markets expected to meet modern safety standards.

NADMO officers further observed traders openly cooking with gas cylinders, coal pots and other heat sources—activities the organisation insists are too dangerous to allow in busy market environments. Officers seized more than 50 gas cylinders and related equipment during the operation.

To address the recurring risk, NADMO says traders will soon be required to sign bonds of good behaviour, committing not to cook or bring prohibited equipment into the markets. The organisation will also take traders’ personal details to improve compliance and accountability.

Despite these interventions, Alhaji Mohammed said NADMO continues to face logistical and resource challenges. He appealed for support from the public and private sectors to help the organisation prevent future disasters.

“We can only keep our markets safe if everyone plays their part—traders, authorities, and supporting partners,” he emphasised.

At the Kumasi Metro Fire Office, Assistant Station Officer Theophilus Kwaku Appiah also urged traders to stop cooking within market centres.

“If you have a medical condition that prevents you from buying food outside, we plead with you to cook your food at home and bring it to the market,” he said. “Do not come to the market to cook.”

He warned that anyone caught violating the directive will be penalised.

Officials from the Ghana Standards Authority, including Eugene Antwi Nuamah, expressed concerns about the poor condition of many seized gas cylinders. He cautioned that most Ghanaians fail to check the lifespan of their cylinders, which should last about 10 years with proper maintenance.

Mr. Nuamah advised the public to replace cylinder valves regularly and seek expert assistance whenever safety concerns arise.

The inspections come amid growing national conversations about market fire outbreaks, which have caused millions of cedis in losses over the years, especially in congested trading hubs in Kumasi and Accra.

ALSO READ:

• I am traumatised – Ahafo NADMO PRO on his arrest during military-police swoop

• Kintampo market fire: MCE and NADMO suspect arson, call for thorough investigation

During separate visits to the scene, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Isaac Donkor, and the Bono East Regional NADMO Director, Akwasi Lampor, suggested that the incident may have been deliberate.

They have called on security and investigative agencies to conduct a thorough probe into the matter.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, MCE Isaac Donkor hinted that such acts could be politically motivated, aimed at frustrating government efforts.

Regional NADMO Director Akwasi Lampor assured that his office will collaborate with the MCE and the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) to mobilize support for traders who lost their livelihoods in the fire.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the actual cause of the blaze.

READ ALSO:

• Dunkwahene urges drivers to prioritize passenger safety as harmattan approaches
• EPA intensifies anti-galamsey crackdown after Ashanti Region attack, vows not to back down
• I was confident we would beat Hearts of Oak – Asante Kotoko coach Karim Zito

Salifu Braima, the Dormaa East Director of NADMO, along with his team, has initiated a proactive effort, financially supported by their Member of Parliament and District Chief Executive.

This initiative aims to address the prevalent issue of potholes on the Asuotiano to Nsesresu road and the Akontanim to Kyeremasu stretch.

Mr. Braima emphasized that the NADMO team patched these hazardous potholes, which have been identified as significant contributors to road accidents.

He stressed that the effort prioritizes the well-being and safety of both drivers and pedestrians, with the expectation that the intervention will not only reduce accidents but also enhance the overall infrastructure, ensuring that the roads are safer and more reliable for all users.

Mr. Braimah Salifu further elaborated that, as part of their initiative to raise awareness among the community regarding disaster prevention and management, they have undertaken a tree-planting exercise across various schools in the Dormaa East district.

This initiative aims to protect the schools from disasters caused by strong winds while also enhancing the beauty of the school environments.

Source: Kwaku Mensah Abrampa

ALSO READ:
Downstream petroleum sector undergoing comprehensive reform – Energy Minister

• 2026 World Cup: I wish Herve Renard joins Otto Addo on Ghana’s bench – Kojo Addae Mensah
• Gov’t to replace NPA Act 2005 as part of major downstream reforms – Energy Minister

According to the Krachi West Municipal NADMO Director, Awudu Gariba, the lack of transportation makes it difficult for officers to reach remote island communities, hampering efforts to ensure safety on the lake.

In an interview with Adom News, NADMO officers responsible for lake safety currently struggle to conduct regular monitoring and public education due to mobility challenges.

Mr. Gariba explained that providing logistics would enable officers to visit more fishing communities to educate residents about the importance of wearing life jackets.

So far, about fifteen communities in Krachi have received life jackets, with plans underway to extend the distribution to 42 more island communities.

He commended Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and the government for their swift response following a recent tragedy in which a canoe traveling from Okuma-Akura to Debume Kope capsized, claiming 16 lives, including children.

During her visit to the affected community, the Vice President, together with the Transport Minister and the National NADMO Director, donated about 200 life jackets and other relief items to victims and their families.

Mr. Gariba emphasized that the provision of motorbikes and vehicles would significantly improve NADMO’s ability to monitor compliance and enhance safety along the Volta Lake.

Source: Obrempongba K. Owusu

READ ALSO:

• NPP race: Bryan Acheampong dismisses 1% poll rating as “sponsored and meaningless”
• Officer injured as fire destroys two warehouses on Spintex road
• Koranteng Abotan residents appeal for safe bridge after pregnant woman’s death

According to him, a 50-foot radius from the Okrudu River is a designated buffer zone, and no structure should exist within that space.

Speaking to Adom News, Mr. Dawood expressed concern over the increasing number of buildings along the riverbank, describing the situation as a disaster in waiting.

He made the remarks during the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction celebration in the Awutu Senya East Municipality, themed “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.”

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, has appealed to residents of Kasoa to stop dumping refuse into the Okrudu River and nearby drains, warning that such practices contribute to severe flooding during heavy rains.

Source: Kofi Adjei

READ ALSO:

• 
  Kete Krachi boat disaster: Ghana lacks proper system of accountability – Nana Yaw Akwada
• Galamsey: Gov’t has failed to keep its word – TUC Deputy Secretary 
• 343 mining rights granted, about 1.1m jobs created in 2024 – NDPC report

The refugees, numbering about 5,621, fled to Kpere in Burkina Faso following the recent disturbances.

A team led by the Savannah Regional Director of NADMO, Mahama Zackaria, had travelled with relief items to support them.

According to Mr Zackaria, the team was stopped and prevented from getting close to the displaced persons.

“We went to Kpere in Burkina Faso, where some of our people ran to, but unfortunately, the Burkinabe authorities didn’t allow us to see the people,” he told JoyNews.

“Yes, we saw them from a distance, but we couldn’t communicate with them or give them the relief items we carried.”

He explained that the Burkinabe officials insisted the Ghana government must formally engage them before any assistance could be delivered.

“They said the Ghana government will have to engage them officially, like they did in the Ivory Coast. Without an official international protocol between the two countries, they would not allow us to engage the people,” Mr Zackaria added.

Faced with this setback, the NADMO team returned to Ghana and redirected the relief items to vulnerable residents in parts of the Bole District.

The distribution has so far covered communities including Saru, Dirbir, Kalba, Gbeniyiri, Nakpala, and Dagbabu.

Source: Isaac Nongya

ALSO READ:

• Corpses from Gbenyiri conflict decompose in Damongo morgue

• The piece of land at the centre of Gbenyiri clashes [Photo]

According to the community members, the lifeless body of Kwame Obeng was found in River Abena Feam on Wednesday morning, with the cause of death yet to be determined.

The Abira Chief Linguist, Nana Adu Adjei, revealed that the deceased was recovering from a stroke until he was found dead in the river.

“A day before this sad news, he was in town and informed his wife of going to the next community, Krobo, but couldn’t return home in the evening,” the Chief said.

The deceased was married with one daughter and a former Assembly Member for Abira.

“This incident marks the second time a body has been found in the river,” the chief stated.

Nana Adjei has urged the Abira community, especially the youth, to avoid visiting the river on Tuesdays, which is considered a sacred day.

The Antoa police retrieved the body from the river to the mortuary for autopsy.

She said 250 of the IDPs were being sheltered in some communities in the Tain, and two of them at Suma-Ahnekro in the Jaman North District.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, Mrs Kine-Lam said so far about 800 IDPs, including about 500 children, had sought shelter in the region with the highest of them being sheltered in the Wenchi Municipality.

Reports indicate that about 30 people have died since the clash erupted over a piece of land at Gbinyiri in the Sawla/Tuna Kalba District of the Savannah Region on Sunday, August 25, 2025, displacing many others, mostly women, girls, and children.

Mrs Kine-Lam noted that the health conditions of most of the children and some pregnant mothers were not the best and appealed for more humanitarian services.

Source: GNA

ALSO READ:

• Gbiniyiri clash: Over 13,000 Ghanaians now refugees in Côte d’Ivoire – Muntaka

• Gbiniyiri clash: NADMO confirms arrival of victims at border communities in Dormaa West

However, the organisation could not confirm whether some of the victims who have fled their homes at Gbiniyiri and its environs in the Savannah Region for shelter have sought asylum in Côte d’Ivoire.

Checks reveal that some of the cocoa-growing communities in Dormaa West share borders and have several unapproved routes to Cote d’Ivoire.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Nkrankwanta, Mr Damiel Naanwinkoma, the Dormaa West District Director of NADMO, said the organisation was yet to gather data on the displaced people.

“We just received information about the arrival of the victims in the district yesterday, and we are collecting information from them and subsequently recommending the kind of humanitarian assistance they need,” he said.

Mr Naanwinkoma explained that NADMO gathered that some of the victims had their relations in the district, saying, “We are going down to the victims and carry out an assessment of how the conflict has affected them, engage and talk to their relations as a way of determining how NADMO can intervene to offer assistance.”

“I have even spoken to a mobile money vendor who confirmed to me that seven are perching with him, saying information also confirmed displaced people traveled in some commercial vehicles to the district.”

Mr Naanwinkoma added that, “Even though we don’t have concrete information about the numbers, I personally saw many of the displaced people in Nkrankwanta, and most of them are children and women.”

He said some of the displaced people “look weak and mildly sick” and appealed to the communities to cooperate and support them as NADMO arranged for some relief items for their upkeep.

Source: GNA

ALSO READ:

• Gender Ministry to establish resettlement camp at Gbiniyiri

• Sawla: Mass displacement of women, children over Gbiniyiri land dispute

In a statement, NADMO explained that the victim, 55-year-old Baba Takora from the Yama community, drowned on August 25 while fetching water from a tributary of the White Volta to support labourers working on his maize farm.

According to the Organisation, Mr. Takora was unaware of the depth of the tributary and tragically drowned in the process.

“Contrary to media reports, his death was not caused by flooding from the Bagre Dam spillage. At the time of the incident, the dam’s discharges had not yet reached Ghanaian rivers,” the statement clarified.

NADMO further noted that water released from the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso typically takes about 24 hours to reach Yarigu station, where levels are monitored by the Water Resources Commission.

“On the day of the incident, the dam’s discharge stood at 47.34 cubic metres per second—too low to influence water levels in local rivers. Any rises observed around that period were due to rainfall, not the dam spillage,” the statement added.

The late farmer, who left behind his wife, Madam Sala Baba, and five children, died while working on his farm, NADMO emphasised. The Organisation extended condolences to the family and the Yama community.

While stressing that this particular case was unrelated to the Bagre Dam, NADMO assured the public that it continues to track water levels across river bodies and has activated preparedness measures, including evacuation plans, safe havens and sensitisation campaigns, to protect lives and property.

The statement urged farmers and community members to exercise caution around rivers and tributaries, stressing that varying water depths continue to pose significant drowning risks.

Source: Adomonline

ALSO READ:

• Bagre Dam Spillage claims life of 55-year-old farmer

• NADMO warns of possible Bagre Dam spillage, urges residents to relocate

Read the full statement below:

Mr. Dawood said the operations at Gomoa Fetteh, Nyanyano, and Gomoa Dampase are destroying the natural sea defense system, posing a serious threat to more than 20 coastal communities, including Kasoa township.

Speaking to Adom News during a tour with the Gomoa East District Assembly, he revealed that a special security taskforce will soon be deployed to patrol the coastline and arrest perpetrators.

“We will not allow any group of people to cause a natural disaster in the Gomoa East District,” he warned.

Gomoa East District Chief Executive, Margaret Naana Ackom, also cautioned that no individual will be spared if found culpable—whether a chief, political figure, or resident—as the Assembly is determined to protect lives and property.

Meanwhile, some residents expressed frustration over the destruction and appealed to traditional leaders to support government’s efforts to curb the menace.

Source: Kofi Adjei, Adom News

ALSO READ:

• Kantamanto Market Fire: Leadership renders account, declares market fully operational

• Rebuild Kantamanto with fire-resistant materials — GNFS urges market authorities

Managers of the dam, SONABEL Energy, issued a warning on August 25, 2025, although confirmation of the spillage is still pending.

NADMO is urging residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to move to higher ground as a precaution to protect lives and property. Districts in the Northern, Upper East, North East, and Savannah Regions are most likely to be affected.

The organisation says it is working closely with stakeholders to monitor the situation and implement response measures if flooding occurs. NADMO has also appealed to the media, opinion leaders, and local authorities to help spread the information, while urging citizens to remain calm and follow safety directives.

Source: AdomOnline

READ ALSO:

• Four journalists among 15 killed in Israeli strike on hospital – Gaza officials
•  Fear grips Konkonma community after man is found dead on his farm

Speaking at the state funeral on Friday, August 15, a NADMO representative described Mr. Aboagye as a rising star within the organisation whose dedication was already making a visible impact.

“He was a promising staff member who made every person feel valued, seen, and appreciated. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his life,” the representative said.

Mr. Aboagye briefly served as Deputy Director-General in charge of protocol. Colleagues recalled his positivity, humility, and approachability, noting that his influence was beginning to inspire change within NADMO.

“Although his time with us was brief, his impact will be felt forever. His greatest strength was his humility; his infectious smile made him approachable and unforgettable. He worked alongside everyone, opened his door for all, and offered encouragement,” the tribute continued.

Mr. Aboagye was also the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2024 Obuasi East Parliamentary Candidate.

Source: Adomonline

ALSO READ:

• Our last call lasted only 16 seconds – MCE on conversation with late Samuel…

• Late Samuel Aboagye was planning to visit his wife, child in U.S. – Nii…

The unexpected arrival of these large mammals has raised serious concerns among residents, prompting immediate intervention. Adom News previously reported on the threat these animals pose to lives and property.

During the visit, Wildlife Division Manager Alfred Kofi Barah highlighted the need to understand hippo behavior, stressing that while often perceived as docile, the animals can be highly territorial and aggressive when threatened.

Residents have expressed fears for their safety, livestock, and crops, as hippos were seen wandering near homes and agricultural lands. Officials engaged the community to gather information on the extent of the invasion and its impact on daily life.

Jonathan Dzunu, Krachi East municipal NADMO director, noted that the organization had documented the damage caused by the hippos and would forward the report to relevant authorities for immediate support to affected farmers. He urged residents to follow guidelines on how to coexist safely with wildlife.

Adom News observed footprints of the mammals and destruction of farms, with some residents reporting that children are unable to attend school due to the wild animals along the river.

The collaboration between the Wildlife Division and NADMO underscores the importance of community engagement and wildlife management in protecting both humans and animals. Authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the Tolomedzi community as the situation develops.

Source: Obrempongba K. Owusu

ALSO READ:

• Mahama meets families of helicopter crash victims [Photos]

• Helicopter crash: Asantehene sympathises with Mahama

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has announced plans to launch a nationwide comprehensive assessment of old buildings.

The move is in response to the collapse of five buildings in Cape Coast within the past week to ensure public safety and prevent further occurrences.

The Director of NADMO’s Inspectorate Unit, Richard Amo Yartey, disclosed this in an interview with Accra-based Citi News during the distribution of relief items to victims.

“Across the country, we don’t have structures collapsing all over the country. But then, this is an eye-opener, a wake-up call for us to start doing some assessment on very old structures which have not seen maintenance for a very long while.

“So that we don’t wake up to hear some of these things happening in other places in Ghana. Cape Coast is going to start, and it has to be replicated in other parts of the country to ensure that old structures that have not seen maintenance for many years do not collapse suddenly, with people dying. It’s very sad that we lost people,” he stated.

The Central Regional NADMO Director, Kwesi Dawood, emphasising the urgency of the situation, stated “The region is in distress and in need of more relief items.”

Ahead of the nationwide building assessment, NADMO has called for enhanced vigilance and maintenance of older structures to ensure the safety of people.

ALSO READ:

• One dead after another building collapse in Cape Coast
• Two more buildings collapse in Cape Coast after heavy downpour

The exercise comes after floodwaters inundated homes and some shops in recent downpours in parts of the city.

Many drainage systems in the Greater Kumasi metropolis are heavily choked with sand debris and filth from households and commercial activities.

The situation poses a precarious risk to communities along these drains with imminent threats of flooding.

The Pelele stream around the Kumasi Airport in the Dichemso enclave is one of the many streams which has always been at the mercy of the environmental menace.

The Ashanti regional NADMO office is embarking on a 12-day de-silting exercise in major drains within the Greater Kumasi Metropolis.

They include Airport, Buokrom South Africa, Mossie Zongo/Yenyawoso, Duase-Kenyase, Aboabo Pelele, Asabe-Buobai, Parkoso Estates, Sawaba/Affordable housing, Anloga JunctionOforikrom and the Family Chapel area.

Others include the Kaase, Atonsu Market – High School (Wewe river), Ahinsan Ambassadorial Area (Wewe river), Suame Kotoko, Breman UGC, Kronom Abuahia/Owabi and the Attafua Bridge on the Barekese Road.

“We are doing to prevent the water from overflowing onto the roads and blocking access. We want to clear the sand debris to ensure the water flows freely in the drains. This is not our job but as an Organisation tasked to prevent any disaster, we are de-silting these drains,” Ashanti Regional NADMO Director, Alhaji Mohammed Nasir Ibrahim, said.

For years, residents living along these waterways have demanded an expansion of the narrow culverts underneath bridges over these drains.

The regional NADMO is adding to calls for the bridge elevation and the construction of concrete slabs on the shoulders and floors of the drains.

“We must construct a concrete floor and a 200-m concrete envelope on the shoulders of the drains so that once it rains, the water doesn’t hit back and flood homes,” he said.

As private individuals continue to build on waterways, NADMO says it will in the coming days launch an attack on structures erected in wetlands.

Speaking to Adom News, Mr. Osei Kissi expressed concern over the continued construction on waterways despite ongoing interventions by local authorities.

“People are still building near streams and on watercourses,” he said.

“Until we collectively clean our drains and remove these illegal structures, the flooding menace will persist.”

He urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to step up collaboration in addressing what he described as a “persistent and dangerous challenge.”

Mr. Osei Kissi also blamed the worsening floods on poor public discipline, including indiscriminate dumping of refuse and failure to acquire building permits.

“This is the time for Assemblies to unite and act decisively. If we continue dumping refuse recklessly and constructing buildings without permits, we are heading toward a bigger disaster,” he warned.

With more rainfall forecast in the coming weeks, NADMO has activated rapid response teams nationwide to handle flood-related emergencies.

He advised motorists to avoid driving during heavy downpours and cautioned pedestrians against walking through floodwaters due to the risk of strong currents and limited visibility.

“NADMO is doing its part, but the public must also take responsibility. We all have a role to play in reducing the impact of flooding,” he emphasized.

READ ALSO:

• The NPP Thank You Tour: Opportunity in the midst of trials
• National Security officials storm Lakeside after deadly floods [Video]

However, no casualties were recorded.

In an interview with Accra-based Channel One TV, Chief Disaster Control Officer Mohammed Jafaro stated that the majority of the calls came from Adenta, Tema, and Kaneshie.

NADMO swiftly deployed emergency teams to assess the situation and provide relief.

“So far, we have received many distress calls from residents in Adenta, Tema, and around Kaneshie. That is why we have dispatched teams. But no casualty, as I speak to you now,” he said.

Mr. Jafaro attributed the flooding in several communities to longstanding issues with poor drainage infrastructure and inadequate sanitation.

He noted that these challenges continue to exacerbate the impact of heavy rains.

“Most of the problems we have observed are due to a lack of drainage in some communities. Some areas are also filled with filth… In some places, there are engineering defects,” he explained.

Meanwhile, he urged the public to remain vigilant during periods of intense rainfall and to avoid flood-prone areas to safeguard lives and property.

Flooding remains one of the country’s most persistent threats, especially in vulnerable urban zones. Municipalities such as Kwabre East and Asokore Mampong have been flagged as high-risk areas due to repeated disaster incidents. In 2024 alone, Kwabre East recorded at least 17 disaster cases linked to flooding, fire, and poor drainage.

“We had a number of children who were displaced and some buildings that collapsed,” said Abdul Latif Chambas, a NADMO official at Kwabre East.

Determined to change the narrative, NADMO is prioritizing strategic community empowerment this season over post-disaster relief.

“I think it is important we do a simulation exercise. Because without a simulation exercise, it’s going to be very difficult to identify the gaps in the system,” emphasized Charlotte Norman, Director for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction at NADMO.

Charlotte noted that proactive preparedness could significantly reduce both casualties and destruction when floods occur. NADMO’s strategy includes simulation exercises and intensive training for health workers, emergency responders, security agencies, assembly members, meteorological officers, and community leaders. The aim is to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder, ensuring swift and coordinated action when disaster strikes.

“These simulations help everyone from health officers to assembly members understand what to do during a flood,” she said. “We’re spelling out everyone’s responsibilities.”

The drills are facilitated by experts from the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), helping agencies build a unified response system.

“The training must extend to the district level and link up with the national standard operation protocols,” said Dr. Selack Seyni, a facilitator from WASCAL. “This is the only way we can reduce casualties, damages, and losses that may be around disasters.”

At the local level, officials are using lessons from past disasters to reshape their approach.

“We don’t want to wait for disaster to strike and then give out relief items,” Abdul Latif stressed. “Prevention is better. That’s why we’re acting now.”

Tackling The Root Causes Of Urban Flooding

Flooding in Ghanaian cities stems from a combination of natural and human factors. While heavy rainfall plays a major role, the situation is worsened by human practices such as poor waste disposal, construction on waterways, weak enforcement of planning regulations, and unchecked urban development.

The growing impact of climate change has added another layer of concern, with unpredictable weather patterns triggering heavier downpours and more frequent floods.

Participants in NADMO’s preparedness programs say the training has increased their confidence in handling flood-related emergencies.

“This is the first time I’ve had such an engagement with NADMO, sitting at one table to decide how to handle emergencies and disasters within the municipality,” said Abena Serwah, a social welfare department worker. “I found it insightful. Now I know how to help if something happens.”

Another participant, Elsi Kusi Appiah, shared similar sentiments: “It has been an eye-opener. Now I know all the flood-prone areas.”

NADMO says the urgency to act has never been more pressing. The organization is reaffirming its commitment to saving lives and reducing the scale of destruction caused by floods — not only this year but for the long term.

For NADMO, preparedness is not just a strategy — it’s a life-saving necessity. And one message resounds from the ground up: prevention truly does pay.

ALSO READ:

Adom Kwahu Easter: Tafo leaders reenact ancestral journey in dazzling cultural…

Speaking on Citi FM on Tuesday, April 8, Major Kuyon explained that the taskforce was not set up to directly implement flood control measures, but rather to conduct a rapid assessment of flood-prone areas ahead of the rainy season.

“The taskforce formed by the President was only to go around and confirm the flood risk levels in certain areas. They completed their assessment and briefed him, after which he also visited some of the locations personally,” he said.

He stressed that the taskforce’s role was observational and advisory—meant to gather firsthand information for presidential briefings and strategic planning.

Major Kuyon added that the actual implementation of flood mitigation measures remains the responsibility of NADMO and its partner institutions.

“NADMO does not work in isolation. We coordinate with the Ghana Meteorological Agency, the Armed Forces, the National Fire Service, and other relevant institutions to manage disaster risks,” he stated.

The Anti-Flood Taskforce, chaired by Stanislav Xoese Dogbe, was inaugurated on March 12 as part of renewed efforts to reduce the impact of urban flooding, particularly in vulnerable areas of Accra.

READ ALSO:

• Secondary Bond Market activity drops by 51.67%
• Parents decry delay in posting of Goaso Nursing graduates

His remarks follow a string of devastating floods in Accra, especially during the rainy season, which continue to claim lives and destroy property.

The persistent flooding has largely been attributed to poor waste disposal habits, unregulated construction, and inadequate drainage systems that leave communities vulnerable.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, Dr. Kuyon said Ghana’s failure to prevent flooding goes beyond technical constraints, arguing that the core issues are behavioral and leadership-related.

“If we all change the way of doing things, history will take a different course and will never recur. What is happening is that we are those who cause the flooding. Until we as a people begin to change our lifestyle, this stopping or prevention will be a herculean task.

“We can do all that we have to do, like the GARID project, but nothing will happen if we don’t make a change. People were assigned to do this project, timelines have passed, but it has not been done. You cannot do magic to prevent the flooding because people have failed to do their job,” he stated.

Dr. Kuyon further highlighted institutional inaction and weak leadership as central to the recurring problem.

“Part of the problem is leadership. Some agencies and departments are to ensure that these things are done, but they fail in that duty.

“NADMO can do everything by going round, identifying disaster sites, putting in the measures to stop that disaster from occurring but if other related authorities do not do their part, the disaster cannot be prevented,” he added.

The donation, made in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, aims to provide immediate support to the displaced students and aid in rebuilding the damaged dormitories.

The relief items included 300 mattresses, 350 plastic buckets, 350 plastic plates and cups, 20 packets of roofing sheets, two boxes of roofing nails, 350 mosquito nets, and 350 blankets.

The fire, which broke out while students were in afternoon prep, displaced at least 400 students and destroyed a significant portion of the school’s residential facilities. In response, authorities arranged temporary dormitories for the affected students.

NADMO Director-General, Major (retd) Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to assisting the school and emphasized the importance of proactive disaster prevention measures.

“The donation is part of our immediate response to provide relief, but it is not the end of our support,” he said.

Dr. Kuyon also praised the presence of psychological experts at the school to support affected students, stressing the need to address their emotional well-being.

Commitment to Reconstruction

Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, commended the school’s management for swiftly providing temporary accommodation for the students.

“This is only a short-term solution. The immediate priority is to restore the building and make it habitable so the students can return to their original dormitories,” he said, assuring that renovation work was already underway.

Cause of the Fire

A preliminary investigation by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) suggests the fire was caused by an electrical fault.

“Preliminary findings indicate an electrical fault as the likely source of ignition. We are examining specific electrical gadgets that might have triggered the fire,” said Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) II Kofi Forson.

He revealed that about 150 beds and numerous personal belongings were lost in the blaze. However, there were no casualties, as students were away at prep when the fire started.

ACFO II Forson added that a distress call was received around 1:00 p.m., prompting an immediate response from the GNFS headquarters.

ALSO READ:

• Fire sweeps through three girls’ dormitories at Labone SHS

• Education Minister visits Labone SHS after dormitory fire [Video]

This initiative aims to prepare stakeholders for potential emergencies that may arise during the electoral process, ensuring a smooth and secure environment for voters.

The exercise, held at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC) in Dambai, brought together various stakeholders, including security agencies, the Ghana Health Service, Ambulance, the Information Services Department (ISD), and other relevant groups.

During the simulation, participants engaged in various scenarios that could occur on Election Day, such as crowd management, emergency medical response, and communication breakdown.

Speaking to Adom News, NADMO Director Edward Kwaku Kumah underscored the importance of such simulation exercises in fostering collaboration and coordination among different agencies.

According to him, elections can sometimes lead to unforeseen challenges, including natural disasters or civil disturbances.

He noted that their goal is to ensure that all relevant parties are well-prepared to respond effectively.

By practicing these scenarios, the teams were able to identify gaps in their response strategies and develop actionable plans to address them.

The Oti NADMO Director also highlighted the significance of community involvement in disaster preparedness.

He encouraged citizens to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activities.

“A well-informed public is our first line of defense against potential disruptions,” he added.

The Oti Regional Minister, DSP Rtd Daniel Machator, expressed his support for NADMO’s initiative.

He said that as the nation gears up for the elections, the pre-election functional simulation exercise serves as a vital reminder of the importance of preparedness.

By equipping stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge, the Oti Region is taking significant steps toward ensuring that the upcoming elections are conducted smoothly and without incident, he said.

ALSO READ:

• We must not underrate electoral violence, deaths – Dr Opuni-Frimpong

• Chambas appeals to Ghanaians to ensure violence-free elections

This follows reports of extensive flooding of farmlands along the Kubore River in the Upper East Region, caused by heavy rainfall coinciding with the dam’s spillage.

In an interview on Accra-based Citi FM, Upper East Regional Director of NADMO, Jerry Asamane, clarified that the submersion of the farmlands was mainly due to the rainfall rather than the dam’s spillage.

He stressed that the most significant effects of the dam’s spillage are still expected.

Mr Asamane assured the public that NADMO is closely monitoring the situation and has taken steps to minimize potential damage and ensure residents’ safety.

“We are at the sensitisation stage and helping people to get out of the riverbanks. The radio stations have given us also the opportunity. We have bought airtime, and we have spoken…But the real impact of the Bagre Dam has not yet been felt as people are saying.

“They let out water early on just to reduce the pressure on the walls of the dam. Yes, those waters came down and we are realising that water levels are increasing but the water from the Bagre dam has not yet flooded the place,” he explained.

Source: Adomonline

READ ALSO:

• Prof. Kanton urges gov’t to build a larger dam at Kubore to control Bagre Dam…
• Kubore: Farmlands submerge following Bagre dam spillage
• Bagre Dam spillage: We don’t have enough relief items, move to higher grounds –…

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, Mr Saji highlighted that the issue extends far beyond the mandate of NADMO and requires a comprehensive national response.

Mr Saji emphasised that the alarming erosion at Keta, where the coastline is swiftly disappearing, is a national crisis that requires urgent attention from all Ghanaians, not just NADMO.

He highlighted that this issue has been ongoing for many years, intensifying into a critical challenge that the government and the citizens must tackle together.

“The bigger problem is beyond NADMO, a problem that the country would have to confront in relation to the protection of the whole coastline.

According to Mr Saji, the erosion problem has been ongoing for decades, and while efforts have been made to mitigate the damage, they have been insufficient.

“This problem existed long before I was born, and despite various attempts to secure our coastline, the issue persists,” he noted.

NADMO’s role, Mr Saji explained, is to facilitate discussions among all relevant stakeholders and develop a disaster management plan that includes contingency measures for potential displacement and other humanitarian challenges.

However, he stressed that solving the root causes of coastal erosion requires more than disaster management.

“There have been efforts to build sea defences over the years, but these defences do not cover the entire coastline. In areas where the defences end, the erosion is severe. If you visit those areas even a month apart, you will be shocked by how much land has been lost to the sea,” he said.

Mr Saji also referenced a study by the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, which predicts that within the next 40 to 50 years, Ghana could lose significant portions of its coastline if no action is taken. “Every structure along the coast is at risk, and this is a national issue that demands urgent attention,” he warned.

He commended the media for bringing attention to this critical issue following Joy News’ ‘Vanishing Shores’ documentary and urged that the findings of the Geological Survey be used as a basis for national action. “It’s now up to us, as a country, to make the necessary decisions to protect our coastline before it’s too late,” he concluded.

Source: Mavis Sekyibea Addo

READ ALSO:

• Bawumia donates laptops, and white canes to PWDs at Legon
• AMA to distribute 2,000 street lights by August 25
• Prof. Kanton urges gov’t to build a larger dam at Kubore to control Bagre Dam spillages

This follows an announcement by the Burkinabe power utility authority, SONABEL, that the exercise will commence on Monday, August 19.

In the memo which has since gone viral on social media, management called for the relocation of persons in flood prone areas.

But speaking to JoyNews, the West Gonja Municipal NADMO Director, Adam Bavug explained that although efforts are being made to relocate persons from the red zones, his outfit does not have enough relief items to support all person who are likely to be displaced

“For now, we are asking them to leave these dangerous areas. Our top most priority for now is to let these people leave these areas. We are going to monitor those that will be leaving and based on that – if it is 10, 100 or 50 – based on this number whatever support we have, we are going to give to those people.

• Bagre Dam spillage begins August 19
• Pro-NDC radio hosts lead in indecent language violations for July – MFWA Report
• Firefighters avert fuel tanker disaster at Odorkor [Photos]

Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement held by the Volta River Authority (VRA) at the Ada East District Assembly on the precautionary spilling of the dam this year, he stated that while 776 of the affected persons resided in the safe havens provided, 4909 decided to remain in the flooded communities.

He said 283 farms, seven fishermen, livestock farmers, and oyster miners were also affected, and eight schools, including five on the island and three on the land, one Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound, and one clinic both on the island were also affected.

He explained that businesses were also indirectly impacted as fishing activities halted with other food vendors who depend on fish and other farm produce for their activities putting their businesses on hold.

He said over 120 flood victims were evacuated from communities including Alorwusedekope, Aflive, Kewuse, Kweunor, and Azizakpe on the first day and sent to safe havens, adding that other safe havens were later added at Azizanya and Methodist Basic School, while the Volta River Foundation and non-governmental organisations also helped in diverse ways.

He said 63 donors, comprising companies, churches, individuals, the Ada Traditional Council, VRA, and others, contributed to the disaster relief activities, and the victims spent nine weeks at the camp from October 15 to December 19, 2023.

He said the victims during their stay at the safe havens received guidance and counselling, medical supplies, and prayers, while there was also the presence of security and administrative staff to coordinate activities in the camp.

Mr Nartey added that cash donations received from the Anglican Church, Tema, and the World Food Programme, in collaboration with international and national parties, were distributed among victims, ranging between GHS700 and GHs1,800 each, depending on the severity of their conditions.

He said that out of GHC95, 000.00 spent on the victims, only GHS 15,000 of the expenditure had been paid, with an arrears of GHC 80,000 yet to be cleared.

He recommended that the flood victims should be supported with start-up capital, settlement centres for the vulnerable, and the provision of potable water for the affected communities, as they were currently facing severe economic hardship.

He called for intensified community and media engagements to create awareness and prepare the community members before any spillage for them to be aware of the expected impact of the spillage on them.

He argues that the government imports over $2 billion worth of rice annually, while local rice farmers struggle to find a market for their produce.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the former Deputy Trade Minister described the situation as unconscionable and called for immediate action to address it.

He emphasised that supporting local rice farmers is crucial for sustaining the economy and reducing the reliance on imported rice.

“I am a farmer. I still have thousands of bags of my rice at the farm in Yagba. I don’t have a market for them. Honourable Akandoh has rice there, no market for them.

“Honourable Adongo, including clerks of this House, [have rice there] yet the state is spending over $2 billion on the importation of rice and poultry products into this country.

“I have had a discussion with the Minister for Agric for them to buy the rice we have produced, but as we speak, NADMO is buying imported rice for the people of this country and it doesn’t make sense. It simply doesn’t make sense.”

Over 150 houses in Gomoa Mampong were affected after sections of the highway collapsed due to the diversion of the Ayensu River by a contractor working on the Kasoa-Cape Coast Highway.

In an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem on Thursday, the NADMO Coordinator for Gomoa East, Robert Hackman said urgent actions are ongoing to address the immediate crisis and mitigate further damage.

“We have mounted road signs to redirect vehicles and spoken to the contractor about reopening the road to allow the water to flow quickly because the highway serves millions of commuters,” he said.

The NADMO Coordinator also stated that, the affected victims have been evacuated and provided shelter at the nearest Pentecost church.

He also explained that “We had a meeting with the contractor before the commencement of the project, and unfortunately, this incident occurred despite our precautions. The river was redirected to prevent flooding, but it appears the water is now finding its own path.”

Mr Hackman noted that, NADMO is collaborating with relevant authorities to prevent further complications.

“I don’t want to place too much blame on the contractor. I believe this was a natural occurrence, but moving forward, we need to work together more closely to avoid such disruptions. The contractor is now more aware of the potential risks, and we will provide any technical advice necessary to ensure smoother operations in the future,” he added.

READ ALSO:

• Bridge linking communities on Accra-Winneba Highway collapses [Video]

• Mad rush for fingerlings on Accra-Winneba Highway [Audio] 

This warning follows the destruction of the bridge linking the communities.

The incident began on Wednesday, June 5, affecting a bridge over the River Ayensu.

This river originates from the Eastern Region, flows across the Accra-Cape Coast Highway at Gomoa Okyereko in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region, and eventually empties into the sea.

The collapse has caused the main Accra-Cape Coast Highway to cave in, leaving commuters stranded on Thursday morning, June 6.

Reacting to the situation, Central Regional NADMO Coordinator, Isaac Mensah, in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Thursday said they are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the residents.

“We are currently assessing the extent of the destruction and looking into how we can compensate the affected victims. People should be cautious and avoid getting close to the site of the destruction while we work to resolve the issue,” he added.

Mr. Mensah mentioned that, alternative routes have been created and urged drivers to use these roads, as the highway is currently impassable.

“No car can use the Accra-Winneba Highway at this time. We have diverted some roads, and we ask drivers to follow these new routes,” he advised.

For security purposes, the Eastern Regional Command has been deployed to direct commuters.

Fortunately, he noted that no lives have been lost in the incident, though buildings and properties have been damaged.

NADMO ON FLOODING

ALSO READ:

Bridge linking communities on Accra-Winneba Highway collapses [Video]

Chiefs blame contractor’s refusal to pour libation for Gomoa East flooding

Driver escapes death after truck somersaults on Cape Coast Highway [Photos]

Also, motorists from Swedru are to turn at Ahwerewam and use the Potsin Junction road.

The District Director, Robert Hackman announced this on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Thursday.

This follows the devastation caused to the bridge at Gomoa Okyereko linking communities in the Central region, making it impossible for vehicles and people to cross.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, Mr Hackman said relevant stakeholders are working diligently to address the situation as quickly as practicable.

Giving an update on the situation, he revealed that, three houses have collapsed after over 150 houses at Gomoa Mampong and adjoining communities submerged.

He added that, the victims are currently being housed in churches and the chief’s palace.

‘Our expectation was that the water volume would reduce for commuters to ply the road but that did not happen. Today the situation is worse and the road has been cut off so we will appeal with all motorists to comply with the directives to ensure safety,” he advised.

ALSO READ:

• Timing for Kasoa-Winneba Highway project wrong; contractor did a shoddy work – MP 
• Gomoa bridge collapse: Farmer almost in tears as he counts losses [Listen]

This practice according to the Techiman North District NADMO Director, Samuel Agyei Effah, is dangerous and must cease immediately to avoid disasters.

Mr. Effah stated that, NADMO mounted a checkpoint on the Tuobodom-Techiman Highway to inspect school buses as part of their mandate to prevent disasters in the country.

He warned that some schools were using buckets of pick-ups to transport pupils, while others had buses in terrible conditions, with no insurance or roadworthy documents, and drivers with no licenses.

He also reiterated that, their operations will continue in Techiman North District, with the first phase of the exercise aimed at inspecting, identifying, and warning schools whose buses are not in good shape.

NADMO said it will collaborate with the Police to prosecute offenders who do not make positive changes in their school transport system.

READ ALSO:

• Final-year Ghanaian students on govt scholarship in Morocco risk repetition [Audio]
• Two more Somé SHS staff members arrested for allegedly stealing food…

The items donated by Muslims communities in the Northern Region were to be distributed to persons affected by the Akosombo dam spillage, especially in Lonto and Kpadjai in the Kpandai District.

The Kpandai district NADMO Director, Peter Nayo Nyarko, in an interview with Adom News said the MP assisted in bringing the items from Tamale which include bags of rice and clothes to kpandai but rather sent the items to his house at Katiajeri without discharging the items at their NADMO office in Kpandai the district capital.

The MP’s reason, Mr Nyarko revealed is that, he paid for the truck which transported the items from the donors from Tamale to Katiajeri in the Kpandai district, including its loading hence must be paid GH¢6,500 before releasing the items.

This, Mr Nyarko described as thievery leading to the heated exchange with the MP.

Meanwhile, the MP for Kpandai constituency, Daniel Nsala Wakpal has refused to comment on the issue.

The team in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and other state agencies, will commence an in-depth assessment of the scope of contamination caused by the flood disaster following the spillage of the Akosombo Dam.

Following the spillage, a total of 192 communities were inundated with floods for weeks, posing major health hazards to residents.

Even though floodwaters have receded significantly, NADMO maintains that there is a need for a thorough assessment before allowing flood victims back to their homes.

The Deputy NADMO Director General, Seji Saji Amedonu, revealed this in an interview with Joy News.

“You are well aware of the total inundation of some communities. Water from the Volta River entered the communities, washed pit latrines, and even some cemeteries were flooded. We don’t know what level of contamination that water that remained in people’s homes for about two weeks caused; we don’t know the extent of the contamination.”

So, we also need to do an assessment to ascertain the extent of the contamination. Then we can move into proposed solutions as to how to disinfect, fumigate, and decontaminate. And this is what we are carrying out,” he explained.

Mr. Amedonu, continued “We have the UN Inter-Agency Group on Emergencies helping with this. We’re working with all stakeholders, including the EPA, the Ghana Institute of Engineers, the VRA, and NADMO. They will be moving in on Tuesday, November 7th, 2023, to start this assessment, and they have about three days to complete their work. By the weekend, some solutions will be proposed.”

With weeks of the flood disaster that affected 39,333 Ghanaians in 192 communities, NADMO reveals that the disaster has now entered a recovery stage where they are doing all within their power through interventions such as assessment and fumigation to return life to normal.

“We are at the recovery stage. At the recovery stage, what we normally do is to try to restore back to normal, I mean, services and other things that were disrupted as a result of the disaster.”

He also revealed interventions such as digging trenches to channel stagnant floodwaters out of the community as measures being taken by NADMO to bring life back to normal.

ALSO READ:

• Akosombo dam spillage: 90-year-old victim collapses at Agbetikpo camp

• District Assembly election: Good news for Akosombo Dam spillage victims

The assurance came during an inspection of relief items aimed at assisting those impacted by the controlled spillage from the Akosombo Dam.

The relief items, which include toiletries, bags of rice and sugar, medications, plastic buckets with bowls, mattresses, canned foods, and drinking water, among other essentials, are intended to offer assistance to those adversely affected by the rising floodwaters.

During an inspection of the relief items on Friday, October 27, the Director General of NADMO, Nana Agyeman-Prempeh emphasised the organisation’s unwavering commitment to coordinate response efforts in managing the disaster.

He noted that, disasters do not discriminate based on tribe, political affiliation, or religion and urged unity and support for those affected by the harsh realities of climate change.

“NADMO will continue to carry out its mandate of coordinating all response efforts to manage disasters because when it strikes it doesn’t know ethnicity, political affiliation, or religion, so let’s unite and support our brothers and sisters who have been affected by this flooding situation as a result of the harsh realities of climate change,” he said.

Present at the brief ceremony were prominent officials, including the Deputy Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, the Deputy Director for NADMO, Seji Saji, District Chief Executive Officer (DCE), Osborn Divin Fenu and other high-profile dignitaries.

Fatimatu Abubakar, on her part, said government been deeply concerned about the safety of residents of the affected areas and as a matter of urgency has taken appropriate steps to safeguard their lives.

She said it is the reason government has established an Inter-Ministerial Committee to see to the proper coordination and provide timely response to the areas impacted by the floods.

Background

The flood, caused by the controlled spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams, has led to significant challenges in the affected areas, including power cuts, infrastructure damage, and risks to residents’ lives.

It has affected access to communities as roads have been cut off, leaving commuters stranded, with others resorting to the use of boats and canoes which further endanger their lives.

The most affected communities are in the Asuogyaman District in the Eastern Region where the Akosombo Dam is located, and in the North, Central and South Tongu districts in the Volta Region.

The spillage was necessitated by high inflows into the Akosombo reservoir, resulting in the water level exceeding its upper level.

It was to prevent the water from overtopping and compromising the integrity of the dam.

ALSO READ:

• Akosombo dam spillage: OccupyGhana demands Commission of Inquiry

• Akosombo dam spillage: Ofori-Atta sends good news to victims

This is part of the World Food Programme’s (WFP) support for victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage after donating food items, water, medical kits, toiletries, sanitary pads, among others.

Country Director of World Food Programme, Barbara Tulu Clemens told Adom News reporter Shine Acquah that, as part of saving lives, “the WFP is giving each household this money as food assistance and will continue for the next 3 months”.

The distribution of the money started at the Agbetikpo D/A Basic School in the North Tongu district, where over 1,500 people are lodged.

It shall be extended to over 6,000 people in all safe havens across the eight affected districts.

Meanwhile, Deputy Representative UNICEF, Ghana, Fiachra McAsey, said UNICEF’s assessment indicates that, there is a need to establish short-term learning facilities for pupils affected by the spillage.

The Director General of NADMO, Nana Agyeman Prempeh who received the donation, expressed gratitude for the support.

He assured victims of government’s readiness to bring them respite.

MORE:

• Man weeps after life sentence for stabbing 19-year-old [Video]

• Over 200 shops destroyed in fire outbreak at Makola

• Airbus scandal: I will quit politics if… Kwaku Boahen

He said the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams and the subsequent flooding in communities along the Volta Lake was a wake-up call for the government to adequately resource NADMO and invest in early warning systems.

Addressing a gathering of traditional authorities of the Mepe Traditional Area last Sunday when he visited the flood victims, Mr. Kyerematen stressed that resourcing the organization would enable the institution to better deliver on its mandate of saving lives and property during disasters.

NADMO’s mandate

As part of NADMO’s responsibility, it is to create awareness of disasters through intensive public education; ensure disaster prevention, risk, and vulnerability reduction, as a means of reducing the impact of disasters on society; be in a position to provide the first line response in times of disaster; assist in post-emergency rehabilitation and reconstruction effort.

NADMO is to also assist and motivate community-based organizations to serve as credible voluntary organizations to assist in the prevention and management of disasters at the local level; and set up monitoring and early warning systems to aid the identification of disasters in their formative stages, to disseminate timely information and warning, and hazard/disaster awareness creation among other things.

Spillage

Citing the flood caused by the spillage as an example, Mr Kyerematen said NADMO was under-resourced hence it was unable to deliver on its mandate of attending to the flood victims.

He expressed concern at how households had been submerged by the spilled water from the dam.

Mr Kyerematen promised to solicit relief items for the victims and urged the government, corporate entities, and well-to-do individuals, to support the victims in their distress.

The Volta River Authority (VRA) started the controlled spillage at the Akosombo and Kpong dams, both in the Eastern Region, on September 16, 2023, following excess water in both reservoirs due to appreciable levels of rainfall.

The spillage has affected almost all the communities along the lower Volta Basin.

ALSO READ:

• Stop politicising Akosombo dam spillage crisis – Rev. Opuni-Frimpong

• Donate your second offerings to Akosombo Dam spillage victims – NYA to churches, Mosques

• Akosombo dam spillage: If I were VRA boss, I would have resigned – MP

Thousands of residents in nine districts across the Volta, Eastern and Greater Accra regions have lost their belongings and homes to the flood resulting from the ongoing spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.

The Volta River Authority (VRA) explained that, it is conducting this spillage due to a “consistent rise in the inflow pattern and water level of the Akosombo Dam.”

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Friday, the Deputy Director General of NADMO, Seji Saji Amedonu said, although residents were informed to evacuate voluntarily ahead of the spillage, more could have been done when they failed to.

According to him, NADMO could have resorted to a compulsory evacuation of residents from the area. However, it failed to do so because it was a difficult task.

“When it gets to a point that some people do not want to move for some reason, then, we do the compulsory evacuation. Yes, we did not do compulsory evacuation. That is a difficult thing to do. Imagine moving this number of people by force. How are you going to get that done? What it means is that we needed to involve all the state security agencies to get that done” Mr. Amedonu said.

Meanwhile, most of the residents who said they lost their properties are currently homeless and appealing to the government to come to their aid.

“Over a thousand houses and properties have been submerged already and lives are being threatened so we are calling on government to come to our aid. This is the time the people of Mepe, especially those in the Volta River basin are waiting for them, they should come to our aid,” a resident pleaded.

ALSO READ:

• Akosombo Dam spillage: Akufo-Addo pledges to support victims

• Akosombo Dam spillage: Ghana Navy rescues over 8,000 people

This, according to the NADMO Director-General, Nana Agyemang Prempeh is because of the consistent rise in the water level due to continuous rainfall in the area.

He disclosed this on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Wednesday while reacting to the spillage of the dam which has flooded parts of the Volta region and has left hundreds of residents stranded.

“The spillage is usually done once, which is the first phase, but this time around, we had to commence the first two yesterday due to the rise in the water level due to the frequent rain so we should just pray there are no more rains; otherwise, we will embark on the third phase of the spillage,” he said.

Currently, more than 500 households in Mepe, Battor and other areas of North Tongu are counting their losses after the communities were flooded.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has cut power supply to parts of the region over safety reasons.

In addition, there are complaints about a lack of clear communication from the Volta River Authority (VRA), prior to the dam spillage.

But, the NADMO boss dismissed the claims, stating residents were duly notified.

He explained that, there was a prolonged publicity and sensitisation in the communities prior to the spillage.

The NADMO boss assured that, in collaboration with the VRA, they are formulating a plan to bring respite to the affected residents.

Residents in the meantime are moving to higher ground to escape the rising waters.

RELATED:

• Akosombo Dam spillage: Mepe, Battor and many North Tongu towns in distress

• Fish farmers lose ₵46m worth of fish stock due to Akosombo Dam spillage

The three, identified as Ashie, Octopus, and Jonathan, were among five technical experts hired by the Produce Buying Company workshop to maintain a fuel reservoir at the COCOBOD office in Effiduase.

Explaining the circumstances surrounding the incident to Joynews, Deputy Director of NADMO at the New Juabeng North Municipal Assembly, Kankam Twumasi Daniel, says that their preliminary investigations have revealed that, the company failed to disclose the exact content of the tank to the workers.

“What our investigations can say is when they entered the pit, they couldn’t breathe because probably they might have been misled that the tank was containing diesel but in actual sense it contained adulterated fuel that is, probably there might have even been petrol or other chemicals being mixed,” he said.

The situation, he believes, might have led to their neglect of safety measures on-site.

“It could be possible because when we brought them out of the pit, they were not wearing any such things on them,” he said.

He added that, it is early to make any conclusive remarks as investigations are still ongoing.

“But what I can say is they might have been misled by people who contracted them. I can’t really emphatically say who, but the two guys who didn’t die told us that ,when they were coming, the leader of their team, Mr. Ashie told them that they were going to work on a diesel reservoir.

“And per their experience and per my knowledge as I know, diesel mixed with water cannot suffocate someone but maybe other chemicals might have been part of the mixture,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Produce Buying Company, owners of the tank says it is investigating the incident and will speak to the matter at the appropriate time.

RELATED:

• Three technicians suffocate to death in fuel reservoir at Koforidua

• Three technicians drown in fuel reservoir at Koforidua; The Inside Story

Speaking on Newsnight on JoyFM, she stated that the organisation created to help citizens in distress has been unable to offer any help to residents of Keta whose homes have been flooded as a result of tidal waves.

She told the host, Evans Mensah, that in recent years, NADMO has only taken notice of names of residents affected by the waves with promises of aiding them but has been unable to do so.

“President Akufo-Addo has collapsed NADMO. He has collapsed the local government structure. NADMO, all they have done is write names for victims for two years. Before I got to the constituency, NADMO had written names again. They know people have water (in their homes) to their middle section and these people have not been given even one blanket, one blanket, or one cup of rice when boiled somewhere to eat,” she said.

Madam Dzifa also expressed disappointment in the government for failing to address the issue of tidal waves once and for all despite the numerous promises.

This comes after many communities along the coast in the region have been swept away by the waves displacing many residents and destroying properties.

According to the residents, the flood started in May this year, destroying many properties and rendering families homeless, leaving them distressed and frustrated.

Some of the communities affected are Nogokpo, Sonuto, Babanawokope, Kpedzakope, and Ativuta among others.

Meanwhile, the Minority Caucus has served notice it will block the approval of the 2024 budget set to be read in November if the government does not commit to fixing the tidal waves phenomenon in the Volta region.

The Minority Chief Whip, Governs Kwame Agbodza said the Minority will not accept any development on the matter apart from a concrete solution to the tidal waves situation.

“We’ve served notice we are going to see the budget read sometime next month – November. The President should make sure that when his Finance minister comes to Parliament, they better come with some good news about the Keta Sea Defense otherwise, they’re going to see a protest against the budget no matter what it is,” he said.

ALSO READ:

• NDC MPs threaten to boycott govt business over tidal waves destruction

• Scores displaced as another tidal waves hit Keta [Video]

• We need sea defense wall, not relief items – Agorkedzi tidal waves victims

The Klottey–Korle Municipal NADMO Director, Daniel Appiah revealed this in an interview on Citi News.

He added that, they are is assessing the situation at the CMB market in Accra to consider what form of help to offer victims of Sunday’s fire incident.

The fire, which started around 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, razed through hundreds of homes and shops, leaving hundreds of residents stranded. 

Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) were quickly dispatched to the scene, but the fire had already spread to several shops before they arrived.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown. However, ADO1 Alex Nartey, a Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, stated that several flammable objects were found at the scene of the fire.

By the time the fire was put out, several shops had been completely destroyed. Some of the traders at the market expressed their frustration and disappointment at the incident.

Majority of them said they have lost everything.

Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, visited the CMB Market Sunday afternoon to assess the damage caused and promise to assist the victims.

This is the second major fire incident at the CMB market in recent years. In 2020, a fire destroyed over 200 shops at the market.

ALSO READ:

• Zanetor visits CMB after fire incident

• Over 300 shops destroyed as fire guts CMB market

This follows a three-hour rainfall on Saturday which led to the overflow of major drainage systems with many shops and residential areas impacted.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Divine Boson, disclosed this on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, stating the extent of damage is being examined.

Mr Boson said the demolition has been informed by preliminary evaluation which established most houses have been built in waterways and without permit.

“Some of the causes are man-made, which we can stop. If we can’t stop them, at least we can mitigate the effects. We will not allow anybody to compromise anybody. Anything that needs to be done should be done well,” he said.

The MCE suggested it is about time they are elevated to the status of a metropolis as their current resources are stretched due to the population.

Mr Boson further reiterated calls for immediate assistance to residents who have been left devastated by the havoc.

ALSO READ:

• Houses submerged after downpour in Volta Region

• Volta Region residents count losses after flooding

This incident occurred following heavy rainfall on Friday night, which resulted in severe flooding.

The unfortunate death of Ahmed brings the total number of flood-related fatalities to six in the past week alone.

Another body was recovered on June 25 from a stream in Kumasi’s Kaase area, intensifying concerns about the recurring flood situations.

Ahmed, aged 44, was attempting to cross a bridge on his motorcycle near Kenyase-Duase in the Kwabere East district when he was swept away by the forceful floodwaters.

Despite extensive search efforts, his body was discovered the following morning in a drain in the area.

Reports indicate that Ahmed was on his way to spend the night with his second wife in Abirem after completing his work when the tragic incident occurred.

Frank Duodu, the Ashanti Regional NaDMO coordinator, expressed their lack of official information regarding the circumstances surrounding the deceased’s death.

“We have not received official notification about yesterday’s events, although we are aware of the incident. We expect to gather more details about the deceased during our preliminary investigation,” stated Duodu.

The Kenyase Police unit promptly recovered Ahmed’s body and transported it to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Morgue for further examination through an autopsy.

In a separate incident, another unidentified victim’s body was retrieved from the Kaase-Subin river after heavy rainfall on June 24.

The deceased is suspected to be a resident of the nearby towns of Kaase. The Asokwa Police Station has been informed and will conduct an investigation into the matter.

These unfortunate incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather conditions and the importance of disaster preparedness and response measures.

Authorities continue to work diligently to mitigate the impact of such calamities and ensure the safety of residents in the region.

The Ashanti Regional Director of NADMO, Frank Duodu , has advised the general public not to endanger their lives during a downpour.

NADMO issued the warning after four people were reported dead as a result of Wednesday’s torrential rains.

He advised the public to take the Ghana Meteorological Agency’s warnings seriously during the rainy season and act accordingly.

“Make sure that when the rains are coming, we follow the warnings of the Meteorological Agency, and if there is no need to go to places you know are flood-prone areas, don’t go,” he warned.

“You find high places to lodge when the rains are coming but if it turns out to be what we witnessed on Wednesday, not that the place got flooded but you decide to go through the flood waters, then I will say there is more that we have,” he said on Accra-based Rainbow Radio.

ALSO READ:

• Mother, 2 children swept away by floodwater at Peace Town
• A/R: 4 people including a six-year-old boy drown in floods
• Move from flood-prone areas – Meteorologist urges