As part of efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and response in Obuasi, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Faustilove Appiah Kannin, has inaugurated a 13-member Disaster Management Committee.
The committee is tasked with developing strategies to prevent and mitigate disasters in the municipality, working closely with the Ashanti Regional Disaster Management Committee, and executing directives from the Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Frank Darko from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Risk Management (DRRCRM) unit identified annual flooding and fire outbreaks—both domestic and commercial—as Obuasi’s most pressing disaster concerns. He also highlighted risks such as windstorms, cave-ins, drowning, bird flu, COVID-19, fall armyworm, and cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM). To address these, he recommended public education campaigns, Fire Service inspections of fuel stations, hazard monitoring, and the use of mass media for sensitisation.
In her remarks, Hon. Faustilove Appiah Kannin urged the committee to be proactive and diligent. “Your work touches directly on saving lives and protecting property. Every minute counts, and the municipality will be counting on your expertise,” she stressed.
The Ashanti Regional Deputy Director of Operations (NADMO) for Zone 1, Mr. Umar Mohammed Rabu, advised the committee to adhere strictly to the municipal disaster management plan. He encouraged them to hold quarterly meetings and convene emergency sessions whenever necessary.
The 13-member committee, chaired by the MCE, includes representatives from key sectors such as health, education, security, planning, welfare, and information. Members were officially sworn into office by the MCE.