NADMO Issues Urgent Flood Alert: Residents in High-Risk Areas Told to Evacuate Immediately
As Ghana braces for the peak of the rainy season, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has sounded a strong warning to residents living in flood-prone and waterlogged areas, urging them to relocate to higher and safer grounds without delay.
This urgent call comes on the heels of a weather alert issued by the Ghana Meteorological Agency, which forecasts intense rainfall in the coming days across several regions, potentially leading to widespread flooding. According to the agency, already soaked ground conditions and inadequate drainage in many communities could further worsen the situation if proactive measures are not taken immediately.
Speaking to journalists during a tour of vulnerable communities in the Ahafo Region, the Ahafo Regional NADMO Director, Mr. Gabriel Nana Adu Bonsu, emphasized the importance of early evacuation, noting that the safety of lives must be prioritized above all else.
“We are not waiting for disaster to strike before taking action. Residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas must move now. NADMO, in collaboration with local authorities, has identified safe havens where people can find shelter until the threat has passed,” Mr. Bonsu stated.
He revealed that several communities in the region, especially those situated along riverbanks and swampy areas, remain highly exposed to flood hazards and must not ignore the warning signs. He also stressed that NADMO has begun sensitization campaigns to ensure that residents are adequately informed and prepared for emergencies.
In a passionate appeal, Mr. Bonsu called for strong collaboration between Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), land planning authorities, and traditional leaders to put an immediate stop to the indiscriminate sale and development of wetlands and Ramsar sites. He warned that failure to protect these ecologically sensitive areas will continue to expose communities to devastating floods year after year.
“Wetlands are not wastelands. They serve as natural flood buffers. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a growing trend of selling and building on such lands without proper planning. This must stop if we are serious about preventing disasters,” he cautioned.
Meanwhile, NADMO has stepped up its preparedness by deploying response teams to flood-prone areas, stocking relief supplies, and activating emergency communication lines. Residents are being advised to report early signs of flooding, avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, and unplug electrical gadgets during storms to prevent electrocution.
The organization is also appealing to faith-based institutions, civil society organizations, and private companies to support the national effort by donating items such as food, mattresses, drinking water, first aid kits, and other emergency supplies.
The general public is urged to remain calm but vigilant and take personal responsibility for their safety and that of their families. NADMO has reiterated that early action is the only way to avoid loss of lives and destruction of properties.
For more information or emergency support, residents are encouraged to contact the Ahafo Regional NADMO Director, Mr. Gabriel Nana Adu Bonsu, on 0244938212.
