Prez Mahama orders review of Ghana’s disaster response systems

President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an urgent review of Ghana’s disaster preparedness and emergency response systems amid recurring floods, market fires and other emergencies across the country.

Presidential Adviser on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness, Ernest Brogya Genfi, disclosed this at a symposium marking the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.

He said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness (NAREP) would lead the assessment to inform a Comprehensive National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness Strategic Plan.

"The plan is expected to strengthen disaster prevention, emergency response and recovery, while improving coordination among institutions responsible for managing disasters", he indicated.

The directive follows recent flooding in parts of Accra, including Weija, Mallam, Achimota, Spintex, Teshie and Kwame Nkrumah Circle, as well as flooding in Hohoe after the Dayi River overflowed.

Fire outbreaks have also caused huge losses, including incidents at the Kumasi Central Market on October 9 and 11, which damaged 35 commercial stalls and destroyed merchandise.

A separate fire at Accra’s North Industrial Area caused extensive property damage.

Brogya Genfi said traders, small business owners and vulnerable households often bear the greatest burden of such disasters, losing their investments and livelihoods within hours.

He cited the recurring emergencies, alongside past tragedies such as the June 3, 2015 disaster at Kwame Nkrumah Circle and the 2022 Appiatse explosion, as reasons for a coordinated, nationwide approach to disaster risk reduction.

NAREP is expected to begin consultations with government agencies, local assemblies, emergency services, development partners, academia, civil society, the private sector and community leaders next month to shape the proposed strategy.

Under the theme “Resilience Starts at Home,” Mr Brogya Genfi also called for accessible early-warning systems, improved drainage, regular desilting of waterways, better land-use planning and stricter enforcement of building regulations.

The proposed strategy is expected to establish a unified framework to protect lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure while strengthening Ghana’s resilience to future disasters.