The Upper West Region has joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) under the theme “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.” The colourful event was held at Charikpong in the Nadowli-Kaleo District, bringing together government officials, NADMO staff, chiefs, assembly members, security agencies, students, and community members.
Evidence has shown that every 1$ invested invested in resilience can save up to 4$ in economic losses. In other words, disaster risk reduction is not a cost, it is an investment with measurable returns
Delivering the keynote address, the Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, Esq., described the theme as a timely reminder that disaster management should not begin when tragedy strikes, but through early investment, planning, and prevention.
He noted that disasters globally are becoming more frequent, intense, and costly. Citing the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (2025), he revealed that global disaster losses amount to 202 billion dollars annually, while the real economic cost is nearly 2.3 trillion dollars, eleven times higher.
Hon. Puozuing stressed that although developed countries suffer higher financial losses, developing nations like Ghana bear the heaviest human and social costs, as limited resources and fragile systems make recovery slower and more difficult. Investing in resilience is therefore strategic for any nation.
“Evidence has shown that every 1$ invested invested in resilience can save up to 4$ in economic losses. In other words, disaster risk reduction is not a cost, it is an investment with measurable returns,” he stated
He highlighted the recurring floods, windstorms, droughts, and bushfires that affect communities along the Black Volta Basin, including Wa West, Nadowli-Kaleo, Lawra, and Nandom, destroying farms, homes, and infrastructure.
The Upper West Regional NADMO Director, Mr Osman Sinsew, also addressed the gathering and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to proactive disaster management.
He disclosed that over 100 life jackets have been distributed to riverine communities along the Black Volta to improve safety. NADMO has also provided relief items, including food, mosquito nets, and roofing sheets, to victims of floods and windstorms, and strengthened community sensitisation and early warning systems to help residents prepare ahead of disasters.
Mr Sinsew commended Disaster Volunteer Groups (DVGs) and district NADMO offices for their frontline work in responding to emergencies. He added that NADMO continues to collaborate with the Ghana Meteorological Service, Ghana Red Cross Society, UNDP, and other partners to improve coordination, data sharing, and forecasting.
As part of the program, the Ghana Fire Service also used the opportunity to educate participants on how to handle fire outbreaks, focusing on safety practices, emergency response, and prevention measures at home and in public spaces.
The 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction celebration in Charikpong ended with a collective call from government officials, chiefs, and community leaders for stronger partnerships, sustained investment, and community-driven initiatives to build a more resilient Upper West Region.
