The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has held an orientation workshop on the Reactivation of Disaster Volunteer Groups (DVGs) for the Greater Accra Regional Director and District Directors at the national headquarters.
The Deputy Director General of DVGs / Communities Empowerment and Livelihood Support, Hon. Albert Alalzuuga Akuka, in his opening remarks, said the purpose of the meeting was to bring renewed attention to how NADMO manages disasters in the country, underscoring the rejuvenation of NADMO’s approach.
Hon. Akuka presented NADMO’s updated vision, based on the implementation of Act 927, which replaces the outdated Act 517 (1996).
“The older legislation, though foundational, had exhibited significant weaknesses that hampered effective disaster response. Under Act 927, NADMO aims to revive and restructure DVGs, empower them with clear mandates, and ensure their operations are non-partisan and motivated by service to Mother Ghana, rather than political interests”, he stated
The directors were introduced to the DVG concept of NADMO and trained on the approach to reorganize DVGs.
They also seized the opportunity to identify key challenges affecting DVGs effectiveness, such as limited training, poor equipment, and unclear coordination structures. Through interactive sessions, the directors suggested strategic approaches to address these issues, emphasizing enhanced training, streamlined communication, and improved resource allocation.
NADMO aims to enhance Ghana’s preparedness for future disasters by developing legally supported, nonpartisan, and timely response capabilities. Therefore, the workshop reaffirmed NADMO’s commitment to promoting community-based volunteerism stipulated in Act 927.