Regional News of Saturday, 26 April 2014

Source: GNA

Desist from activities that can cause disasters - Portuphy

Mr. Kofi Portuphy, National Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) Coordinator, has urged Ghanaians to desist from indulging in activities that can lead to disasters in the country.

He said disasters can be avoided if the people have attitudinal change towards the environment, join the crusade against disasters and other calamities in the country.

Mr. Portuphy made the call at the inauguration of a refurbished office for the Effutu NADMO Secretariat at Winneba at an estimated cost of 345,000 Ghana Cedis.

The building which formerly housed the canteen for the assembly, now has five rooms and a wire house.

According to Mr. Portuphy, now that the rains have set off, it will be more appropriate for Ghanaians to be very careful while using electrical appliances, not to dump refuse into gutters which can block the free flow of water, and also to remove structures on waterways.

“We should switch off all electrical gadgets not in use, stop putting up buildings and other structures on water ways, desist from engaging unqualified technocrats to execute works for us, dumping of refuse into gutters, are some of the negative practices that lead to the occurrence of man-made disasters in the society,” he said.

The NADMO National Coordinator commended the Effutu Assembly for its continuous support to the Municipal Secretariat of NADMO in the discharge of its duties, towards the socio-economic development of the country.

Mr. Portuphy said his outfit will ensure that personnel of the organization worked within the confines of the rules and regulations.

Nii Ephraim, Effutu Municipal Chief Executive, commended the NADMO officials for exhibiting patriotism while work on the project was being carried out, and expressed the hope that need they will sustain it as front liners in fighting disasters.

He used the occasion to appeal people in the Municipality to adhere to advice and education given them by NADMO officials, and other Institutions/Organizations to stem the tide of disasters.

Mr. Rolland Quianoo, Effutu Municipal NADMO Coordinator, thanked the Assembly for the necessary support given them to refurbish and renovate the building.

Mr. Sandy Amartey, Central Regional NADMO Coordinator, urged the staff to desist from malingering, absenteeism, regular permission seeking, lateness and leaving office early, as they are now being comfortably accommodated.

He advised Municipal Directorate of the organization to ensure regular maintenance of the facility to prolong its life span.