Ahafo NADMO Director Demands Disability Inclusion in Infrastructure and Disaster Risk Planning
The Ahafo Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Nana Adu Bonsu, has issued a strong call to all government institutions, private developers, and construction firms to prioritise disability inclusion in infrastructure development and disaster risk management planning.
He made the call in Goaso at a sensitisation workshop on the Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Management Guidelines, organised by the National Council on Persons with Disability in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and NADMO Headquarters.
The workshop brought together representatives from public sector institutions, private developers, emergency response agencies, disability advocacy groups, and civil society organisations to deepen understanding of inclusive disaster preparedness and response.
Addressing participants, Nana Adu Bonsu described disability inclusion as a legal, moral, and developmental obligation that must be reflected in both policy and practice.
“It is unacceptable that in this day and age, many government and private institutional buildings are still not disability-friendly. This situation exposes persons with disabilities to serious danger, particularly during emergencies,” he stated.
He explained that disasters such as floods, fires, and structural collapses often expose weaknesses in infrastructure design, with persons with disabilities bearing the brunt of poor planning.
“Disaster risk management does not start when disaster strikes. It starts from the drawing board. If buildings are constructed without ramps, accessible stairways, safe exits, clear signage, and evacuation points, then persons with disabilities are already excluded,” Nana Adu Bonsu said.
He warned that failure to comply with disability-inclusive standards undermines national efforts at inclusive development.
“Inclusion is not an option and it is not an act of charity. It is a responsibility. Institutions must ensure that their buildings, emergency plans, and response mechanisms cater for everyone, including persons with disabilities,” he stressed.
The Ahafo NADMO Director further noted that inaccessible infrastructure delays rescue efforts and complicates emergency response operations.
“When emergency responders struggle to evacuate persons with disabilities because buildings were poorly designed, lives are put at risk. This is why accessibility must be treated as a core safety issue,” he added.
The sensitisation workshop also highlighted the need for institutions to integrate disability considerations into emergency drills, early warning systems, evacuation protocols, and relief distribution processes.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr Joshua Addy, the National Representative on Persons with Disabilities, gave a detailed presentation on the various categories of disability and the unique challenges each group faces during disasters.
“Disability is diverse, and disaster planning must reflect that diversity. A one-dimensional approach will always fail,” he noted.
Mr Addy outlined key disability categories, including persons with physical disabilities, deaf persons, non-verbal persons, and individuals with communication disabilities such as speech and language impairments.
He explained that for persons with physical disabilities, inaccessible exits, staircases without ramps, and poorly designed shelters can make evacuation impossible.
“For deaf persons, emergency warnings that rely solely on sound are ineffective. Visual alerts and clear signage are critical,” he explained.
He further noted that non-verbal persons and those with communication disabilities often struggle to understand emergency instructions if messages are not simplified and clearly communicated.
“If communication is not inclusive, confusion sets in during emergencies, and that can cost lives,” Mr Addy warned.
He emphasised that inclusive disaster risk management strengthens overall national resilience.
“When we plan for persons with disabilities, we improve safety for everyone. Inclusive systems are stronger, more efficient, and more humane,” he said.
Participants were taken through the practical components of the Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Management Guidelines, including inclusive infrastructure design, disability-sensitive communication, community engagement, and coordination among emergency response agencies.
The organisers urged institutions and developers to move beyond awareness and ensure full implementation of the guidelines, stressing that inclusive planning before disasters strike is the most effective way to protect vulnerable populations.
The workshop concluded with a call for sustained collaboration among government agencies, private sector actors, and disability groups to ensure that disaster preparedness and infrastructure development in the Ahafo Region and across Ghana leave no one behind.
