General News of Monday, 6 October 1997

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SUB COMMITTEES ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT INAUGURATED IN ACCRA

Seven National Technical Sub-Committees of the National Disaster Management Organisation, NADMO, have been inaugurated in Accra to mark the launching of activities in connection with this year's World Disaster Day which falls on Wednesday 8, October. Inaugurating the committees the Minister of Interior, Nii Okaija Adamafio, said the government will rely on the Technical Sub-Committees to help in the effort at capacity building at all levels. He said the efforts are in harmony with the Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action for a Safer World, which calls upon member countries of the UN to express political commitment to reduce vulnerability through legislation, policy decision and action at the highest level. In a statement, the UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, Mr.. Abdoulie Yanneh stressed the importance of incorporating disaster prevention and preparedness into the overall plans of UN member-countries. He commended the government of Ghana for establishing the NADMO. The Chairman of the Epidemic Diseases Committee, Professor Francis Nkrumah son of the first President of Ghana, said the sub-committees have produced the initial blueprints for action. It is now the responsibility of the government and Parliament to mobilise resources to implement the recommendations . The Chairman of the function, Dr.. Eunice Brookman Amissah, said the effectiveness of the plans in mitigating the disasters will depend on how effectively the various support structures are organised. End