The Director General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Maj. Rtd. Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating conditions of service for NADMO staff, describing them as “nothing to write home about.”
Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues on Sunday, April 13, 2025, Dr. Kuyon lamented the lack of a formal document outlining terms of service for NADMO staff.
He also revealed that the situation has contributed to a wave of staff exits, citing poor salaries and lack of promotions as key drivers of attrition.
“There’s no formal document detailing conditions of service for our staff,” he disclosed. “Many are leaving because of the poor salary structure and the absence of career progression.”
Amidst these human resource challenges, Dr. Kuyon is also grappling with operational setbacks. Upon assuming office, he inherited an empty warehouse, severely limiting the Authority’s ability to respond to disasters with relief items. “We are rebuilding from scratch,” he said.
Despite the internal challenges, NADMO is ramping up preparedness ahead of what is expected to be an intense rainy season.
Dr. Kuyon cited forecasts from the Ghana Meteorological Service warning of above-average rainfall and potential flooding in low-lying and poorly planned settlements.
“As far back as February 13, we initiated our anti-flood emergency response plan,” he said. “This involves district and regional NADMO teams triggering their operational strategies, including desilting and dredging.”
Dr. Kuyon noted ongoing coordination between NADMO and key agencies such as the Fire Service and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to reduce emergency response times and improve outcomes.
Regarding the recent fire at the Adum Market, NADMO has so far provided assistance to 1,500 vulnerable victims. Dr. Kuyon affirmed that government will soon roll out more permanent interventions.
Touching on the broader financial outlook, he expressed concern about NADMO’s sustainability, stating that the current budget allocation of approximately GHS10 million for goods and services is insufficient.
“The fund is not sustainable,” he said. “But we do have mechanisms in place to request emergency support when needed.”
