The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), in collaboration with the US-based Johns Hopkins University and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), conducted a seminar focused on finding a lasting solution to the problem of drowning in the country.

The seminar, hosted by NADMO, brought together key stakeholders in the fight against drowning in Ghana. The event occurred at the NADMO Headquarters in Accra and was attended by representatives from the Johns Hopkins Research Institution and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). All participants shared a common goal: to address the issue of drowning in the country.

The Director General of NADMO, Major (Rtd) Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, welcomed the participants and acknowledged their vital roles in research, education, and community engagement.

He expressed gratitude and highlighted the organisation's commitment to disaster management and prevention. He encouraged all teams to collaborate and combine their knowledge and efforts to create a safer and more resilient Ghana. He stated, "I look forward to deepening the partnership for the benefit of all Ghanaians."

The highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Dr. Bertha Kusimi, Director of the Geological Department of NADMO, who provided an in-depth analysis of the drowning situation in the country, adding that awareness creation and sensitisation about the issue were key.

Drawing from recent research and data, Dr. Kusimi highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding drowning, particularly among children and young adults. She emphasized that many of the drowning incidents could be prevented with better awareness, education, and infrastructure.

The presentation discussed the challenges of preventing drowning, especially in communities near water bodies. She proposed several solutions, including enhancing community awareness programs, integrating water safety into school curricula, and improving rescue operations through better training and equipment. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of collecting strong data through Disaster Volunteer Groups (DVGs) at the district, regional, and headquarters levels.

Participants at the day’s seminar engaged in a thoughtful discussion, contributing their ideas and insights. Representatives from KNUST and Johns Hopkins Research Institution shared research findings and spoke about the importance of local community involvement. There was a consensus in the group that collaboration was crucial for effectively addressing the complex issue of drowning prevention.