Vice President of IMANI Africa, Selorm Branttie, has sounded a strong warning about Ghana’s disaster preparedness, stressing that training and drills are not optional but vital for survival during emergencies.
Branttie stressed that training is essential both for preparing for potential conflicts and for responding effectively to unforeseen emergencies.
He explained that such preparation ensures that when a crisis arises, all protocols are clearly understood and followed in line with documented standard operating procedures.
In his assessment, it is these established measures that prevent disasters from escalating, and those equipped with the right training must act quickly to keep situations from slipping out of control.
“As a country, how many events are overtaking us because we have not operated and adhered to many of these laid down protocols? This is where we should begin the discussions from. Our emotions do not change events. Our reactions can either mitigate these events or give us better insight to do better.”
Selorm Branttie
Branttie referenced the Melcom building collapse in Accra on November 7, 2012, a tragedy that resulted in multiple fatalities.
He noted that during the incident, Israeli rescuers had to be flown in to support NADMO and the fire service in rescuing some of the victims, and he expressed respect for those who lost their lives in the disaster.
While the event spurred public debate on the capacity of Ghana’s emergency response bodies, he questioned whether significant improvements have been made. “Today, touch wood, if something like that happens, what are we going to do? Organize another state funeral?”
Branttie Warns of Rising Disaster Risk
Selorm Branttie further drew attention to the rising number of road accidents, particularly on high-traffic highways.
He expressed concern over the limited rescue operations available in such emergencies and the inadequate equipping of first responders.
In his view, agencies such as the fire service need better mobility, advanced extrication tools, and specialized search-and-rescue capabilities to save lives quickly.
He also cited recent environmental crises, including last year’s overflow of the Volta River, which displaced thousands.
The continued menace of illegal mining, or galamsey, he warned, could one day cause catastrophic mudslides.
Branttie explained that even a basic review of satellite imagery of the Akyem area near the Birim River bed reveals the danger. “All we need is one careless galamsey person or a flood, and there will be chaos in that area,” he cautioned.
Disaster Preparedness Gaps, Alarming
Selorm Branttie also questioned whether the nation is content with mourning loved ones and holding funerals for people in their prime, or if it is committed to addressing the fundamental issues affecting its capacity to prepare for and respond effectively to disasters.
He stressed the importance of having clear national policies for addressing peacetime disasters and ensuring that institutions tasked with disaster management are equipped to respond rapidly. “Some disasters don’t come with warnings,” he noted.
This, the IMANI Vice President noted, is precisely why training and drills must be continuous and treated as a national priority.
Branttie added that sometimes citizens simply need assurance that they can be safe, and that assurance comes from knowing the country’s disaster response systems are functional.
He urged every Ghanaian to take ownership of asking the right questions and pushing for accountability.
“We all have a part to play in asking the real questions because these issues affect everyone regardless of tribe, party, affiliation, or profession,” he said, stressing that the current moment is one of peace and therefore the best time to strengthen preparedness.
Closing his remarks, Branttie offered a solemn reminder: “May the souls of all the dearly departed rest in peace. But may we, the living, help each other to protect ourselves from early preventable demise.”
His call underscores the urgency of shifting national attention from ceremonial responses to practical, life-saving readiness.
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