President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Office of the Presidential Advisor on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness (NAREP) to undertake an immediate assessment of Ghana’s national resilience and emergency preparedness architecture, following recurring floods, market fires and other disasters across the country.
The directive is expected to pave the way for a Comprehensive National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness Strategic Plan, supported by an implementation framework to strengthen disaster prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and long-term resilience.
Presidential Adviser on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness, Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi announced the directive at a high-level symposium marking the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
He said the assessment would inform a coordinated national process to improve the country’s capacity to anticipate, manage, and recover from emergencies.
The initiative comes amid a series of disasters that have disrupted communities, destroyed businesses, and exposed vulnerabilities in Ghana’s emergency preparedness systems.
On June 29, 2026, heavy rainfall inundated several parts of Accra, disrupting movement along major roads and leaving motorists, workers, and students stranded. The flooding, which affected areas including Weija, Mallam, Achimota, Spintex, Teshie, and Kwame Nkrumah Circle, highlighted the pressure on the capital’s drainage systems and urban infrastructure.
More recently, flooding in Hohoe, following the overflow of the Dayi River, displaced residents, damaged properties, and disrupted livelihoods.
Fire outbreaks have also compounded the losses. Hon. Brogya Genfi cited a major fire at sections of the Kumasi Central Market on October 9, which destroyed merchandise and businesses, followed by another outbreak two days later that damaged 35 commercial stalls. A fire at the North Industrial Area in Accra also caused extensive property damage.
“These tragic incidents disproportionately affect traders, small business owners, and vulnerable households, many of whom lose their lifetime investments and primary sources of income in a matter of hours,” he said.
Genfi said the incidents, alongside previous disasters such as the June 3, 2015 tragedy at Kwame Nkrumah Circle and the 2022 Appiatse explosion, underscored the need for a coordinated, nationwide approach to disaster risk reduction.
As part of the assessment and strategic planning process, NAREP will begin institutional consultations and stakeholder engagements next month.
The engagements are expected to involve government ministries, departments and agencies, metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies, security and emergency services, development partners, academia, civil society organisations, the private sector, traditional authorities and community leaders.
According to Hon. Brogya Genfi, the consultations will draw on the knowledge and experience of stakeholders to develop a nationally owned framework that strengthens coordination, risk governance, and emergency preparedness.
He said resilience required a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, with institutions and communities working together to protect lives, livelihoods, critical infrastructure, and national development gains.
Speaking under the theme “Resilience Starts at Home,” Hon. Brogya Genfi also called for greater emphasis on household preparedness, accessible early-warning systems, and stronger urban flood-risk management.
He further stressed the need for improved drainage infrastructure, regular desilting of waterways, effective land-use planning, and enforcement of building regulations to reduce flood risks.
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, observed annually on October 13, highlights the importance of reducing disaster risks and building resilience at household, community, and national levels.
The proposed national strategy is intended to provide a coordinated framework for addressing existing vulnerabilities and preparing Ghana for emerging threats.
