UNDP, stakeholders develop Ghana’s disaster management and risk finance strategy framework

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ghana has organized a workshop in Accra. This event brought together key government agencies, industry players, and risk experts. The goal is to create a national strategy for quick disaster response financing.

The workshop was part of UNDP’s Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF). It included representatives from various organizations, such as the Ministry of Finance and National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO). Other participants included the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Ghana Meteorological Agency.

The aim is to develop a Disaster Management and Risk Finance Strategy Framework. This framework will help Ghana access faster financing during floods, droughts, and other natural hazards.

Dr. Amina Sammo opened the workshop. She is the Coordinator of UNDP’s IRFF. She described this event as a chance for collaboration among ministries, regulators, insurers, and technical experts.

“This initiative isn’t only about policy; it’s about real people,” she said. She mentioned waakye sellers, Koko vendors, charcoal traders, Zongo communities, and farmers affected by disasters.

Dr. Sammo stressed that pre-arranged disaster finance can save lives. Quick funding in emergencies is crucial for effective response.

She discussed innovative tools for the strategy like parametric insurance and contingency planning. These tools align with Ghana’s development goals and global frameworks like the Sendai Framework.

She urged stakeholders to take ownership of the strategy. Integrating disaster risk financing into national policies is essential for success.

Prof. Asaah S. Mohammed led the project as a consultant. He encouraged participants to adopt flexible approaches based on global best practices. A follow-up session will review the draft framework soon.

This workshop marks an important step toward making Ghana more resilient against disasters. The focus is on protecting vulnerable citizens during emergencies.