The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently hosted a validation workshop focused on contingency plan financing for disaster risk management agencies.

Notable participants included key government bodies such as the Ministry of Finance, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and the National Insurance Commission (NIC), among others, alongside Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

The primary objective of the workshop was to validate the contingency plan document, ensuring its accuracy and completeness.

Participants were tasked with confirming their roles and responsibilities, identifying any additional data needed, and finalising specific activities for stakeholders in case of a disaster.

Madam Amina Sammo, the UNDP's Project Coordinator, highlighted the importance of contingency planning, emphasising its role in facilitating a prompt response once insurance payouts are triggered.

She stressed that the plan outlines clear roles, responsibilities, and fund allocation, serving as a crucial tool to enhance government preparedness for emergencies.

Ms. Sammo emphasised that the validation process would enhance stakeholder engagement and collaboration, leading to a more effective response during emergencies.

She maintained that the contingency plan would afford the vulnerable population, particularly in the inner cities and Zongo areas, ready funds to remedy emergencies in some of these areas.

She noted that the validation would identify potential risks, missed opportunities, and areas for improvement to strengthen the plan.

During the workshop, Mr Frank Aggrey, a Deputy Director of NADMO, underscored the significance of insurance as a risk factor, emphasising the need for thorough discussion.

NADMO has developed a comprehensive contingency plan detailing the roles and responsibilities of its partners.

Madam Akua Asante, representing the Insurance Development Forum (IDF), highlighted the uniqueness of the plan, citing its alignment with project objectives and government support.

Dr. Eric Twum, a Disaster Risk Consultant, outlined the aim of the contingency plan to provide funding for flood mitigation in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA), covering 25 out of 29 municipalities.

Dr Twum emphasised the urgency of addressing rising sea levels, warning of the potential inundation of critical institutions like Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Osu Castle if preventive measures are not implemented promptly.