Sekondi NADMO marks disaster risk reduction day, distributes relief items to 65 fire victims

The Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Directorate of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has commemorated the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction with the distribution of relief items to 65 victims of the June 21 fire disaster at the Albert Bosomtwe-Sam Fishing Harbour in Sekondi.

The items, secured through the intervention of the Essikado Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, include 200 bags of rice, 100 bags of maize, 200 mattresses, buckets, basins, detergents, liquid soap, plates and cups.

Speaking during the commemoration on Tuesday, October 13, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Director of NADMO, Alhaji Abubakar Kamal Deen, said the assistance was intended to support the victims following the devastating fire outbreak.

He explained that Dr Ayensu-Danquah visited the disaster scene with NADMO officials after the incident, assessed the damage and engaged the affected persons before pledging to secure relief assistance for them.

Mr Kamal Deen said the intervention formed part of efforts to alleviate the hardship faced by the victims while using the occasion to raise public awareness about disaster prevention.

He also cautioned traders and other users of the fishing harbour to exercise extreme care in the sale and handling of premix fuel, urging the relevant authorities to ensure safer practices at the busy commercial facility.

He stressed that preventing disasters required collective responsibility, urging residents to avoid activities that could trigger fire outbreaks and flooding in their homes, workplaces and communities.

The commemoration was held under the theme “Resilience Starts at Home,” which highlights the importance of household preparedness and community participation in reducing disaster risks.

The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Frederick Faidoo, called for a stronger culture of prevention, stressing that disaster management should not be left to NADMO and the Metropolitan Assembly alone.

He urged residents to dispose of waste responsibly, keep drains clear, observe fire safety measures and avoid unauthorised developments on waterways and flood-prone areas.

Meanwhile, the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, disclosed that NADMO recorded 207 disaster incidents in the Western Region in 2025, affecting more than 4,347 people.

He identified flooding, fire outbreaks, coastal erosion and road traffic accidents among the major disaster risks confronting the region, noting that some were worsened by indiscriminate waste disposal, encroachment on waterways and unsafe development practices.

Mr Nelson called on metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies to strengthen the enforcement of building and physical planning regulations, improve drainage and sanitation, and intensify public education on disaster preparedness.

He also urged households to practise basic safety measures, prepare emergency plans and heed official warnings, with particular attention to children, older persons and persons with disabilities during emergencies.

The Regional Minister emphasised the need to shift from a reactive approach to disaster management towards greater investment in prevention, mitigation and preparedness.

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed annually on October 13 to promote awareness and action towards reducing disaster risks and building safer, more resilient communities.

By Ebenezer Atiemo