Dambai: Mr. Albert Akuka Alalzuuga, Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), has called on officials to play a crucial role in bridging policy and action to build a resilient future for their communities. Mr. Alalzuuga made the remarks during an orientation workshop on the Reactivation of Disaster Volunteer Groups (DVGs) for the Oti Regional Directorate, Municipal and District directors at the Oti Regional Co-ordinating Council (ORCC) in Dambai.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Alalzuuga, serving as the Deputy Director General in charge of Communities Empowerment and Livelihoods Support, emphasized the importance of the workshop in renewing attention to NADMO's management of disasters in the country. The workshop underscored the need to rejuvenate NADMO's approach to disaster management. He highlighted the government's renewed focus on grassroots participation and resilience building, acknowledging the vulnerability of communities to disasters.

Mr. Alalzuuga outlined the responsibilities of regional and district directors, who are expected to lead efforts in identifying hazard hotspots, supervise the formation of volunteer groups, and ensure adherence to guidelines, with an emphasis on integrity, non-partisanship, proximity, and skills diversity. He urged participants to actively contribute, reflect on the practicalities of implementation, and take ownership of the process in their respective districts.

The Oti Regional Minister, represented by a keynote speaker, stressed the importance of enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities in the region. In a message delivered to stakeholders, Mr. John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Minister, outlined objectives to achieve the goal, which include enhancing disaster preparedness and response capability, fostering community resilience and sustainability, and providing support to communities affected by disasters. Mr. Gyapong encouraged active participation, collaboration, and commitment from all members, emphasizing collective efforts in building a safer and more resilient community.

Mr. Foster Dzre, Oti Regional Director of NADMO, expressed gratitude to the Director-General of NADMO and the government for organizing the program to equip them with necessary knowledge and skills for effective disaster management through DVGs. He also praised the Deputy Director-General and his team for their commitment to building the capacity of NADMO directors in the Oti Region.

Additionally, Mr. Shadrach Njebi, Krachi Nchumuru District Director of NADMO, expressed appreciation for the authorities' efforts in DVGs training. He noted that the volunteer groups would provide crucial first-hand information, enabling NADMO to respond effectively to disasters. Mr. Njebi stated that this initiative would significantly improve disaster preparedness and response efforts in the Krachi Nchumuru District.

Mr. Njebi appealed to District Assemblies Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and philanthropists to support NADMO in times of need. He emphasized that such collaboration would enable NADMO to effectively carry out its mandate and respond to disasters in the Oti Region.