The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has addressed the controversy surrounding the relief efforts for victims of the recent fire outbreak at Adum, Kumasi.
The agency reaffirmed that the relief items distributed were officially provided by NADMO and handed over by the Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, on its behalf.
Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, the Director General of NADMO, responded to the controversy, emphasizing the agency’s role and the structure within which it operates.
“It looks like the public had a wrong perception about what happened yesterday. NADMO as an agency is under the Interior Ministry. We are the government agency responsible for preventing disaster and reacting to it when it occurs.
“And after its occurrence, we do the necessary assessments and then come out with the reports necessary to guide government decisions on what is supposed to be done to restore normal life to affected people”
Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, Director General of NADMO
He clarified that the visit by the Interior Minister was part of a coordinated effort, not a personal gesture, as some had perceived.
“We also know that our Interior Minister comes from the Ashanti Region, and he has a lot of concern for the Ashanti Region. So he wouldn’t leave us to come to the Ashanti Region alone. That is why he backed us up with his presence yesterday”
Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, Director General of NADMO
The rejection of the relief items presented by the Interior Minister to the victims of the Adum PZ fire outbreak sparked public debate. Kuyon addressed these concerns, stating that the primary focus of NADMO’s intervention was on the most vulnerable victims.
Targeting the Most Vulnerable
NADMO’s immediate relief strategy prioritizes those who are least able to recover on their own. Kuyon stressed that the agency’s approach is based on identifying individuals who rely entirely on daily earnings from the market to survive.
“Normally, what we do is focus on the most vulnerable people. There are some who can only eat when they come to turn around in the markets. There are some who can’t even afford soap and other basic necessities if they don’t go to the market”
Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, Director General of NADMO
He emphasized that the distribution of relief items was meant to provide immediate sustenance while a full assessment was conducted to determine the long-term recovery needs of all victims.
Beyond relief efforts, NADMO is advocating for a more active role in the approval and planning of market structures. Kuyon expressed concern that disaster prevention measures are often overlooked in market construction projects.
“If a market is being constructed, NADMO should be part of those agencies that permit certain structures and activities to be done in the market. So if we are not consulted in the habitation certificates, it becomes something that creates danger for society”
Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, Director General of NADMO
He proposed that NADMO collaborates closely with the Ministry of Works and Housing and other relevant agencies to ensure that disaster prevention is integrated into urban planning.
“So that NADMO will be seen as a critical partner, especially in giving licenses to people in terms of where they should embark on construction and where they should not, so from the beginning, we settle on the preventive stage, which is the most important thing in disaster management”
Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, Director General of NADMO
Apology for Food Rejection Incident
The controversy surrounding the relief efforts took another turn when a section of the victims initially rejected the food items presented by the Interior Minister, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka.
The incident, which led to widespread criticism, has prompted an official apology from the leadership of the BlueLight Traders Association (BTLA).
“The Interim Executive of the BlueLight Traders Association (BTLA) wishes to publicly condemn the unfortunate incident involving the disrespectful behavior by some young individuals during the visit of the Minister for Interior, Hon. Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, to our community”
BlueLight Traders Association (BTLA)
The association acknowledged that the Minister’s visit was an act of goodwill, intended to support mothers and children who had lost everything in the fire.
“We sincerely apologize to Hon. Muntaka for this regrettable occurrence, believing strongly that this action was a result of misunderstanding and miscommunication among some members.
“In distressing times like these, frustrations and emotions can run high, sometimes leading to unintended expressions of displeasure”
BlueLight Traders Association (BTLA)
Despite the earlier rejection, the association expressed its appreciation for the Minister’s “empathy, compassion, and assurance to assist in reconstructing the devastated BlueLight trading area,” and urged for the return of the donated items to ensure they reached all their members in need.
The statement concluded with an appeal for continued collaboration with the government, in addressing the crisis.
“We earnestly hope that Hon. Muntaka will graciously accept our apology and continue collaborating with us in the spirit of goodwill, unity, and mutual respect”
BlueLight Traders Association (BTLA)
As the recovery process continues, the incident has underscored the critical role of effective communication in disaster response efforts.
While NADMO has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting affected traders, the focus now shifts to long-term restoration efforts and the potential policy changes that could enhance disaster prevention in Ghana’s marketplaces.
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