NADMO simulates December elections

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has conducted a simulation exercise to ascertain the preparedness of security agencies and relevant stakeholders in crisis management ahead of the December 7 general elections.

The exercise, which is conducted every four years ahead of the elections, covered situations such as stampede, explosions, fire disasters, clashes among supporters of political parties and groups, as well as possible COVID-19 cases that may arise.

It was conducted alongside dummy elections at specific locations in the Northern, Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions, with Ayawaso West and Tema West as focus areas for Greater Accra.

In an interview with the media, the Greater Accra Deputy Regional Minister, Elizabeth Kwatsoo Tetteh Sackey, expressed confidence in the ability of the team to ensure a smooth and disaster-free elections on December 7.

“I am so impressed about what I observed. In actual fact, every fabrication is prepared towards the election and, looking at the questions that are coming, though some are imaginations, some can be possible; and the responses from the various personnel show that they are prepared for whatever situation that may arise during the election,” she said.

“I am foreseeing a ‘cool’ and ‘calm’ election, and I know that things will go smoothly; and we will overcome the hitches that may arise,” the Deputy Minister added.

She further assured that the Regional Coordinating Council, together with the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC), will ensure a peaceful election in the region.

Coordination

The Greater Accra Director of NADMO, Archibald Cobbinah, said that the initiative has been undertaken to ensure that all stakeholders in elections sharpen their preparedness.

“We know that in this country we’ve had good elections since 1992, but we cannot sit aloof and so we need to do the needful to ensure that we prepare adequately,” he said.

Responding to fears of election violence, he noted that the importance of the exercise is to ensure synergy and coordination among stakeholders.

“The security agencies are very well prepared and on top of the issues, but the responsibility doesn’t depend on the security agencies alone…That is why we are in touch with chiefs, volunteer groups and faith-based organisations as well,” Mr Cobbinah pointed out.

Present at the exercise were members of the security agencies, the Ghana Red Cross Society and the Information Services Department.

Source: dailystatesman.com.gh/Isabella Agyakwa