NADMO organises election simulation exercise ahead of 2024 polls

The National Disaster and Management Organisation (NADMO) has organised a pre-election functional simulation exercise to test its preparedness to combat election-related crisis during and after the 2024 general election.

The exercise which was aimed at training and preparing all NADMO Regional Emergency Operations Centres, and stakeholders in disaster risk management, also sought to test their readiness to respond to any eventualities associated with the forthcoming elections.

Speaking to a section of journalists during the exercise, the Director General in charge of Technical and Reforms at NADMO, Seji Saji Amedonu, said with just a few weeks to go to the polls, there was the need to prepare for, and avert any form of eventualities.

He noted that the exercise was also to ensure harmonisation and coordination of efforts between all stakeholders to yield optimum results.

Politics

Mr Amedonu who, said elections were supposed to be calm and solemn, also noted that politics of the world overruled incident-free logic, and Ghana was not an exception to election related violence and crisis.

"The ongoing political campaigns are characterised by threats and counter threats, and we of the humanitarian fraternity want to prepare for any humanitarian consequences that could arise in the face of an electioneering crisis," he said.

Mr Amedonu challenged the exercise evaluators to boldly bring out the gaps or shortfalls to help them improve their skills, and also urged all participating institutions and agencies to be serious and professional about the task.

The National Programme Officer of IOM Ghana, Daniel Tagoeon, who spoke on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, said elections were not isolated events but complex processes that required comprehensive planning, coordination and preparedness at all levels of society.

"While we strive for peaceful electoral outcomes, it is vital to remain prepared for any potential disruption," he said.

Mr Tagoeon who commended NADMO for spearheading the initiative, said it reflects Ghana's commitment to disaster preparedness and crisis management in the electoral process.

He tasked NADMO and other Government Agencies to be dedicated to fostering a peaceful and secure environment, and further pledged the UN Country Team and its development partners' continued commitment and strong partnership on emergency response and humanitarian coordination in Ghana.

The exercise which was funded by the United Nations Agencies with technical support from UN Interagency Working Group Emergencies, was the second and last of a series.

The first, which was a full scale exercise was conducted in three regions, namely the Northern region, the Greater Accra region and the Ashanti region.