The Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly in the Ashanti Region has launched a comprehensive disaster prevention initiative aimed at reducing environmental risks and safeguarding lives, property and livelihoods across the district.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), was unveiled by the District Chief Executive, Hon. Abubakar Sedik, during the First Ordinary Meeting of the Assembly on Tuesday.
Addressing members of the Assembly, the DCE outlined a multi-pronged strategy designed to strengthen disaster preparedness and improve the district’s resilience to climate-related and environmental hazards.
A key component of the programme is a proactive hazard-mapping exercise targeting communities identified as highly vulnerable to flooding. The exercise is expected to help authorities identify risk areas, improve planning and support timely interventions to minimize the impact of disasters.
Mr. Sedik also announced the implementation of targeted climate change adaptation measures aimed at protecting agriculture and livelihoods from increasingly unpredictable weather conditions and extreme climate events.
According to him, the interventions will help build resilience among farming communities and reduce the vulnerability of residents to environmental shocks.
To complement these efforts, the Assembly and NADMO are intensifying public education and community sensitisation campaigns across the district.
The awareness programmes will focus on practical safety measures, disaster preparedness, structural reinforcement and the identification of early warning signs to help residents respond effectively to potential emergencies.
The DCE further disclosed that the Assembly is procuring emergency relief supplies to ensure rapid assistance to affected communities in the event of disasters.
He said the relief items would enable authorities to provide immediate food, shelter and medical support to affected families without unnecessary delays.
Mr. Sedik emphasized that disaster risk reduction requires collective action and called on traditional leaders, residents and community stakeholders to cooperate fully with NADMO officials in implementing the initiative.
He noted that strengthening community resilience cannot be achieved by local authorities alone and urged residents to actively support efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.
The DCE also appealed to Assembly Members to put aside partisan considerations and personal interests and work together in the interest of the district’s development.
