Anloga District Assembly, VRA strengthen emergency preparedness through stakeholder engagement

3rd July 2025

The Anloga District Assembly, in collaboration with the Volta River Authority (VRA), has held its Annual Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) Stakeholder Engagement to strengthen disaster preparedness and promote sustainable environmental management across the district.

The engagement brought together officials of the District Assembly, representatives of the VRA, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Police Service, the National Ambulance Service, traditional authorities, Assembly Members, opinion leaders, civil society organisations and members of the media.

The workshop focused on enhancing coordination among key stakeholders to improve emergency response, particularly in flood-prone communities within the district. Participants were taken through the objectives of the Emergency Preparedness Plan, which outlines procedures for responding to emergencies associated with the operations of the Akosombo and Kpong dams, as well as other climate-related disasters.

Facilitators stressed that effective emergency preparedness requires collaboration between government agencies, security services, traditional authorities and community members. They urged residents to pay close attention to early warning information and comply with evacuation directives whenever the need arises.

The Environmental Management Plan was also presented, highlighting measures aimed at protecting natural resources, reducing environmental degradation and encouraging responsible land use practices. Participants were educated on the importance of safeguarding wetlands, preventing indiscriminate dumping of waste and avoiding construction in waterways, which contribute significantly to flooding.

Officials from the VRA explained that the annual stakeholder engagement forms part of the Authority’s commitment to ensuring that communities downstream of the Akosombo and Kpong dams remain well-informed and adequately prepared for any emergency. They noted that lessons from previous flood events continue to shape improvements in emergency planning and stakeholder collaboration.

Participants engaged in interactive discussions, asked questions on disaster response mechanisms and shared concerns relating to flood mitigation, environmental protection and community resilience. The meeting also clarified the specific roles of the District Assembly, NADMO, emergency services and local leaders before, during and after emergency situations.

Closing the engagement, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and public education to minimise the impact of disasters within the Anloga District. They called for continuous public awareness campaigns and sustained collaboration to safeguard lives, property and the environment.

The Annual Emergency Preparedness Plan and Environmental Management Plan Stakeholder Engagement forms part of broader efforts to build resilient communities capable of responding effectively to emergencies while promoting sustainable environmental management for present and future generations.