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How WHO is Strengthening Coordination and Flood Response in Ghana

The 2023 floods caused by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam devastated communities in the Eastern, Volta, and Greater Accra Regions. As the floodwaters receded, it became painfully clear that the response to the disaster had been fragmented, with multiple agencies working in silos. While there was a strong initial mobilization of efforts, the lack of coordination between these agencies hampered the overall effectiveness of the response. Key gaps in communication, resource mobilization and allocation, and planning left vulnerable communities at risk, emphasizing the urgent need for a more coordinated, systematic approach to disaster management.

Quick, efficient, and coordinated responses are critical to saving lives in the aftermath of such events. The Akosombo dam spillage floods underscored the importance of having a unified plan in place that can be activated immediately to address health, sanitation, shelter, and other critical needs. This lesson became the foundation for the partnership between WHO, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), and local authorities, with funding support from the UK in Ghana, to develop comprehensive flood contingency plans for all nine districts downstream of the Akosombo Dam which were impacted by the flooding.

Ada East
The plans were designed to address the gaps identified during the initial flood response, focusing on improving cross-sectoral coordination, strengthening local district authorities, and ensuring that essential services could be rapidly deployed and populations protected in the event of future floods.
North Tongu
The plans were finalized and validated through extensive consultations with local authorities and key stakeholders. Trainings and simulation exercises were held in all nine districts to test the utility of the plans and ensure that all stakeholders were prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to any future emergencies.
Patrick Avevor
Patrick Avevor, the Infectious Hazard Management Officer for WHO Ghana, [with oversight for preparedness for health emergencies] emphasized the significance of the initiative. He said, "The floods exposed weaknesses in our preparedness systems, especially in terms of coordination between agencies. By bringing together community, district, regional, and national stakeholders, we were able to develop unified, multi-sectoral contingency plans that will make the affected districts more resilient to future disasters".
Seji Saji
The participation of local authorities was crucial in ensuring the plan was tailored to the specific needs of each district. Mr. Seji Saji, Deputy Director-General of NADMO, recognized the importance of involving local actors:
"The floods showed us that disaster management is a shared responsibility. While national agencies play an important role, local authorities must be empowered to lead the response on the ground. Through this partnership with WHO, we’ve strengthened our ability to manage floods in a more coordinated and efficient way".
Hon. Divine Osborn Kwadwo Fenu
For Hon. Divine Osborn Kwadwo Fenu, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for North Tongu District, the plan represented a key step toward ensuring that communities are better prepared for future floods:
"We’ve learned valuable lessons from the 2023 floods. The flood contingency plan developed with WHO’s support will not only guide us in coordinating better but will also enable us to respond faster and more effectively. It’s critical that we are prepared because floods don’t wait. This plan gives us the tools we need to act decisively when disaster strikes."

The collaboration between WHO, NADMO, and local health authorities not only resulted in a flood contingency plan but also set the stage for stronger, more resilient districts in the face of future disasters. The plan is comprehensive, addressing all sectors—from health and sanitation to logistics and community mobilization—and ensures that no one is left behind when disaster strikes.

One significant aspect of this plan is its inclusive approach. Special attention has been given to vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), to ensure their needs are prioritized. By involving PWDs in the planning and simulation exercises, the plan not only addresses their unique challenges but also empowers them as active participants in their communities' preparedness.
Patience Atuah
“Being part of the planning process has been a game-changer for us,” said Patience Atuah, a PWD from one of the affected districts. “It’s reassuring to know that our concerns were heard and that provisions have been made for our safety. This plan gives me and others in my community a sense of belonging and security.”
Ada East
As the districts prepare for future challenges, the lessons learned from this collaborative effort will serve as a blueprint for improving emergency preparedness across the country. The validation and simulation exercises have ensured that everyone involved is prepared and knows their role, creating a system that is both efficient and responsive.
Ada East group picture
The successful development and validation of the flood contingency plans mark a significant milestone in improving Ghana's overall resilience to flooding and other natural disasters. With stronger coordination, clearer roles, and an enhanced ability to respond, the nine districts downstream of the Akosombo Dam are now better equipped to protect their communities from the devastating impacts of future floods.


For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Country Office
Email: abdullahiea@who.int
Tel: +233 20 196 2393