Cultural and Religious Practices Hindering Disaster Response – NADMO Director

By Linda Konadu Agyemang

The Director of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Richard Amo Yartey, has raised concerns that certain cultural practices and religious beliefs in parts of Ghana are obstructing effective disaster response efforts.

Speaking on Adoa TV, Mr. Yartey explained that some long-held traditions and faith-based norms are making it difficult for emergency personnel to act swiftly during critical situations.

He noted that in some communities, responders encounter restrictions rooted in religious beliefs, including instances where male officers are not allowed to physically assist affected persons especially women during rescue operations.

Mr. Yartey also highlighted that, in certain cases, communities insist on performing rituals, such as animal sacrifices, before allowing intervention. According to him, these practices can delay urgent rescue and relief efforts, increasing the risk to both lives and property.

He stressed the importance of intensified public education and stronger engagement with traditional and community leaders to help address these challenges. Such collaboration, he said, is crucial to ensuring that emergency response operations are carried out without obstruction during life-threatening situations.