The
Upper East Regional Coordinator of NADMO, Alfred Saawug, has underscored the
urgent need for communities identified as disaster prone areas to adequately
comply with measures instituted against disaster of all forms. He said though some disasters are natural and
cannot be prevented, it was imperative for people to take precautionary
measures to minimize their impact. Mr Saawug, gave the advice at a seminar in
Bolgatanga to commemorate this year’s World Humanitarian Day. The meeting which
brought together various stakeholders including health experts of the region
discussed cholera, the deadly Ebola virus and floods. It was jointly organized by
NADMO in collaboration with Action Aid Ghana, an NGO. ‘The World Needs More’
was the theme chosen for this year’s celebration. The International Humanitarian
Day is celebrated annually to pay tribute to humanitarians and those that lost
their lives in the discharge of their duties. The Upper East Region recognizing
the importance of the day, adopted a sub theme: Addressing Issues of Disasters,
A responsibility for all. Mr Saawug, stressed the relevance of the theme which
according to him, encourage people to provide life saving assistance to people in
times of disaster. He said it was important for people to put their own lives
at risk to help others in conflict zones and areas of natural hazards. NADMO and
Action Aid have embarked on a radio sensitization drive as a step to educate
people on the prevention and impact of disasters. Ebola, cholera and floods were
part of the radio programmes to draw people’s attention on the need to observe sound
environmental practices. As part of the celebration a clean-up exercise was organized
and the Deputy Regional Minister, Daniel Syme, graced the occasion. Mr Syme, in a
message commended NADMO and its partners for the steps taken to deal with disasters
and urged all and sundry to ensure environmental cleanliness to avoid
preventable diseases such as cholera. Mr Syme, said he will invite all
religious leaders to deliberate on how best they can propagate issues of Ebola
to their congregations.
GBC
END
IA/