The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Mampong Municipal Office, in collaboration with the Mampong Municipal Assembly, organized a comprehensive community education and sensitization exercise on Friday, 31st July 2026, to enhance disaster preparedness and build resilient communities across the municipality.
The exercise formed part of NADMO’s mandate to educate the public on disaster prevention, risk reduction, and emergency response. It brought together community members, Assembly Members, traditional authorities, transport operators, market women, farmers, and other stakeholders to raise awareness on measures that can help reduce the occurrence and impact of disasters.
A key focus of the sensitization programme was flood prevention and preparedness. Participants were educated on the causes and risks associated with flooding, particularly during the rainy season. Residents were encouraged to maintain clean and functional drainage systems, refrain from dumping refuse into gutters and waterways, and observe proper waste disposal practices. Communities located in flood-prone areas were also advised on evacuation procedures and the importance of responding promptly to early warning information.
The programme also featured bushfire prevention education, where farmers and community members were sensitized on the dangers of indiscriminate bush burning. Participants received guidance on safe land preparation methods and were encouraged to adopt responsible farming practices that reduce the risk of bushfires, especially during the dry season.
As part of efforts to improve community resilience, NADMO educated residents on rainstorm and windstorm preparedness. Participants were advised to reinforce roofs and vulnerable structures, regularly inspect buildings, and observe safety precautions before, during, and after severe weather events to minimize damage to lives and property.
The exercise further highlighted fire safety awareness, with practical education on preventing fire outbreaks in homes, schools, markets, workplaces, and public institutions. Residents were trained on the safe use of electrical appliances and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders, the proper use of fire extinguishers, and emergency evacuation procedures in the event of a fire outbreak.
NADMO also intensified its Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) campaign by encouraging households to develop emergency preparedness plans and supporting the establishment and training of Community Disaster Volunteer Groups (CDVGs). These community-based volunteers are expected to play a vital role in disaster prevention, preparedness, and emergency response within their localities.
Recognizing the importance of public spaces, the Organization conducted market and transport terminal sensitization, educating traders, commercial drivers, and transport operators on fire prevention, emergency response procedures, and the need to maintain clear emergency exits while avoiding overcrowding.
Environmental sanitation formed another important component of the programme. Residents were encouraged to participate in regular community clean-up exercises, maintain clean surroundings, and practice proper waste management to prevent flooding and reduce the outbreak of sanitation-related diseases.
The sensitization exercise also addressed climate change and environmental conservation, highlighting the effects of climate change on livelihoods and the environment. Participants were encouraged to support tree planting initiatives, protect natural resources, and adopt sustainable land use practices to safeguard the environment for future generations.
To strengthen emergency preparedness, NADMO conducted discussions on emergency response simulation exercises, emphasizing the importance of evacuation drills in schools, institutions, and communities to improve response during emergencies.
The programme concluded with stakeholder engagements involving community leaders, Assembly Members, and other opinion leaders to strengthen collaboration in disaster management and build local capacity for disaster preparedness and response. Participants were encouraged to serve as ambassadors for disaster prevention by sharing the knowledge acquired with their families and communities.
The Mampong Municipal Assembly commended the National Disaster Management Organisation for the initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with NADMO and other stakeholders to promote disaster risk reduction, environmental sustainability, and community safety. The Assembly urged residents to adopt the recommended preventive measures to protect lives, property, and the environment while contributing to the sustainable development of the municipality.
–MIS/Information, MMA