NCCE Assin Foso Municipal Directorate Joins NADMO to Strengthen Community Disaster Preparedness

Forty-five community volunteers have been inaugurated in Assin Foso to strengthen local disaster preparedness, as stakeholders urged households to take practical steps to prevent emergencies before they occur. The inauguration formed the centrepiece of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) celebration organised by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), with the Assin Foso Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) participating in the programme.

Held at the World Vision Hall of the Assin Foso Municipal Assembly under the theme, "Resilience Starts at Home," the event sought to deepen public awareness of disaster prevention and establish Community Disaster Volunteer Groups (DVGs) to support risk reduction efforts across the municipality.

Speakers at the celebration stressed that preventing disasters was far more effective than dealing with their consequences. They called for stronger household preparedness, community vigilance, and collective responsibility in identifying and addressing hazards before they escalate into emergencies. The initiative is designed to ensure that warning signs noticed within communities are brought promptly to the attention of NADMO. It also reflects the importance of involving residents directly in disaster prevention, rather than relying solely on emergency responders after incidents have already occurred, particularly in vulnerable neighbourhoods.

The gathering brought together the Paramount Chief of the Aboabo Traditional Council, Nana Apotoi IV; the Regional Disaster Volunteer Group Leader, Mr. Alhaji Adamu; the Municipal NADMO Director; and heads of departments of the Municipal Assembly. Also present were DCOP Abraham Acquaye, Divisional Officer Grade II Paul Tawiah of the Ghana National Fire Service, community members, and other stakeholders. The NCCE was represented by Yvonne Fosu and Amoah Bismak.

A major highlight was the inauguration of the 45-member Disaster Volunteer Group, comprising 30 men and 15 women. Performing the inauguration, Mr. Adamu outlined the volunteers' responsibilities, including promptly reporting hazardous activities and potential disaster threats to the Municipal NADMO Director. He encouraged the members to remain alert to conditions that could threaten lives, property, and livelihoods.

Beyond identifying risks, the group was encouraged to undertake communal income-generating initiatives, including fish ponds and maize cultivation, to help sustain its activities. Mr. Adamu also announced that members would elect three executives from among themselves and establish a WhatsApp platform to improve communication, coordination and the timely sharing of information.

In his closing remarks, Nana Apotoi IV commended NADMO for the initiative and urged the newly inaugurated volunteers to approach their responsibilities with dedication and selflessness. His appeal underscored the importance of service and cooperation in building safer, more resilient communities.

The programme concluded with group photographs, marking the formal introduction of the volunteers and a renewed commitment among participating institutions and community representatives to prioritise disaster risk reduction in Assin Foso.