GAF Assesses National Emergency Preparedness with Presidential Advisor
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has engaged the Presidential Advisor on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness, Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi, to assess its capacity to support the country’s response to national emergencies and disasters.
The engagement, held on Monday in Accra, formed part of a nationwide assessment of Ghana’s preparedness to anticipate, prevent, respond to and recover from emergencies.
Mr Brogya Genfi commended the Armed Forces for their critical role in national emergency response, noting that the military often provided essential support when disasters and crises overwhelmed the capacity of civilian institutions.
He said the engagement was aimed at evaluating the military’s operational readiness, institutional coordination and capacity to respond effectively to national emergencies.
The assessment, he added, would help identify existing gaps and ensure that relevant institutions were adequately equipped and resourced to fulfil their emergency response responsibilities.
The Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations and Training at the General Headquarters, Major General Glover Ashong Annan, said the responsibilities of the Ghana Armed Forces extended beyond safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.
He explained that national defence also required the military to support the state during emergencies, crises and disasters that threatened public safety, critical infrastructure and national stability.
Maj Gen Annan emphasised that emergency preparedness must translate into practical capabilities rather than remain at the level of discussions and documented plans.
He underscored the need for coordinated action, operational capacity and continuous readiness to enable the Armed Forces to respond effectively whenever emergencies occurred.
Earlier, the Director of Operations at the Army Headquarters, Colonel Richard Amedeka, briefed the Presidential Advisor on the military’s contributions to national disaster management and emergency response.
He outlined the roles played by the three Arms of Service, including search and rescue operations, evacuation of affected communities, medical assistance, security provision, and transportation of relief supplies.
Other areas highlighted included logistical support to civilian authorities, restoration of essential services, early warning mechanisms and the development of emergency response plans.
The nationwide assessment is intended to evaluate Ghana’s institutional capacity to manage emergencies and disasters while identifying areas requiring improved coordination, operational readiness and resources.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
