The Director General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Major (Rtd.) Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, has reaffirmed NADMOโs commitment to leading coordinated, efficient, and impactful disaster responses across the country, particularly in the Savannah Region, where recent conflicts have displaced over 48,000 people.
Dr. Kuyon made these remarks during a media briefing on Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025 after inaugurating the Savannah Regional Disaster Management Board at the Regional Coordinating Council in Damongo.
โMy mission is simple,โ he stated. โWe all know what has happened in this region. Itโs important that all of us involved in emergency response put our efforts together to manage the situation swiftly and help restore normalcy.โ
Dr. Kuyon explained that although his physical presence in the region came after some initial response efforts, his approach was strategicโfocused on resource mobilization and coordination from the national level before arriving to personally assess the situation on the ground.
โI didnโt rush into the scene myself. I placed the operations team at the forefront while I coordinated the needed logistics and support from Accra,โ he noted. โNow that initial relief efforts are underway, itโs critical for me, as the leader of the organisation, to come and see things for myself so I can make informed decisions going forward.โ
The NADMO boss highlighted the agencyโs role as the lead institution in emergency response and emphasized the importance of inter-agency coordination to maximize the impact of relief efforts.
So far, NADMO has dispatched essential supplies including food items, blankets, detergents, and other relief materials to support the displaced population.
โThe support given so far has been substantial,โ Dr. Kuyon stated. โBut this doesnโt mark the end. As long as the situation persists, NADMO will continue to coordinate resourcesโfrom government, non-governmental organizations, and international partnersโto manage the emergency until full reintegration is achieved and peace is restored.โ
He expressed gratitude to both local and international partners who have joined NADMOโs efforts. Key collaborators include the Ghana Armed Forces, Ministry of the Interior, National Security, and several international organizations.
โWeโve had immense support from the UNHCR, UNICEF, Red Cross, NORTHCODE, and Child Relief,โ he said. โRed Cross was the first to assist with tents and emergency shelter. UNHCR and UNICEF have also stepped in with critical support including medical supplies.โ
Dr. Kuyon further disclosed that the UN Interagency Working Group, which coordinates efforts across UN agencies in Ghana, is actively engaged in planning and resource mobilization. A technical committee from the group is expected to visit the affected areas within the week.
In response to concerns about the proper use of relief materials, Dr. Kuyon assured the public that mechanisms are in place to ensure accountability.
โThatโs precisely why I inaugurated the Regional Disaster Management Committee,โ he explained. โThe committee brings together experts from various sectors to coordinate response efforts, avoid duplication, and ensure that all available resources are used efficiently and for their intended purposes.โ
He concluded by urging continued collaboration among stakeholders and emphasized that NADMO remains dedicated to working hand-in-hand with traditional authorities, opinion leaders, and affected communities to restore peace and normalcy to the region.
The recent land dispute in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District and other parts of the savannah region has resulted in a major humanitarian crisis, with thousands displaced.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
