Sogakope (Volta Region), 9 Oct.,

Mr Kenneth Dzirasah, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has charged the National Disaster Management organisation (NADMO) to be self-reliant and not rely solely on charity and international benevolence. He also cautioned the organisation not to distribute expired or toxic drugs and relief items. Mr Dzirasah who was addressing a symposium to mark world disaster day for southern Volta at Sogakope last Tuesday, said man often serves as the agency for most disasters. He said until Ghanaians learn to be disciplined in the use of the country's natural resources and cooperate with nature, disasters will be a frequent phenomenon. Mr Dzirasah called for coordination between the NADMO and other agencies of government to help sharpen its preparedness to intervene or mitigate in disasters. At Akwamu Mangoase in the Eastern region , Mr Winfred Tesia, Asuogyaman District Coordinator of NADMO, said the district recorded eight disasters caused by rainstorms and four deaths from boat accidents on the Volta lake this year. He called on the district disaster management committee to intensify its educational campaign on disaster prevention. The celebration was under the theme "Disaster Preparedness for a Safer World". Mr Tesia said the Asuogyaman District Assembly has acquired a motorised boat with safety devices from the Volta Lake Transport Company to transport passengers on the Volta Lake. This is to help reduce boat accidents and the loss of life. In a speech read on her behalf, the Regional Minister, Miss Patience Addow, said disaster preparedness, which has proved to cost little or no money, can help reduce deaths, injuries, property damage and economic losses. It will also help to avoid costs associated with responding to and recovery from disasters.