The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has partnered border security agencies from several border stations across the Upper East Region for a simluation exercise (SIMEX)  at the Paga Border.

The SIMEX was to afford the various border security operatives an opportunity to test their readiness and ability to work together, share timely information and to operate under one unified Emergency Operations Command (EOC), for the proper and effective handling of a real-life influx situation at the borders.

The SIMEX which was carried out at the Paga Border in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region, was as a result of separate District and Regional Stakeholders’ engagements.

NADMO, the lead and organiser of these engagements and SIMEX sourced funding from the  International Organisation for Migration (IOM). These exercises formed part of the National Cross-Border Humanitarian Crises Reposnse Plan which comes under the auspices of the “Strengthening the Northern Borders of Cote d’Voire, Ghana and Togo” project.

According to the NADMO officials, the bigger project is aimed at creating a coherent and coordinated inter-agency response to manage the influx of displaced populations while addressing the needs of both the displaced and their host-communities. 

The Chief of Mission of IOM Ghana, Madam Fatou Diallo Ndiaye in her statement at the official launch of the SIMEX, dislcosed that her outfit views the project as critical in improving humanitarian efforts of stakeholders in the Subregion and has therefore been working closely with NADMO to finalise a National Cross-Border Humanitarian Crises Response Plan. This plan she explained, “addresses hightened concerns from border security officials, local communities and humanitarian organisations regarding the limited capacity to manage such a sudden influx of displaced persons”.

Madam Ndiaye emphasised that, “with increased instability in neighbouring regions, we recognise the urgent need to enhance the coordination and capacity of  border security agencies to protect the displaced and also, support host communities”. She expressed IOM’s appreciation to participating officers, organisations, volunteers and the local communities.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director General of NADMO, Mr. Daniel Kweku Danteh in his address noted that, one of the most pressing challenges in modern times is effective border management in the face of rising global uncerntainties. He stated that as a result, “it is imperative that we continually enhance our border management strategies; with focus on migration crises, security and environmental changes”. He said in addition, Ghana as a country ought to have a comprehensive contigency plan that accounts for various scenarios including natural disasters, pandemics, potential security threats and influxes. By simulating these scenarios, vulnerabilities can be identified while humanitarian response mechanisms will be strengthened.

Mr. Danteh mentioned the primary objectives of the SIMEX to include testing the nation’s readiness, enhancing coordination and collaboration, identifying gaps and building realtionships among others. Overall, the exercise is expected to improve protocols, give actionable insights and strengthen networks for effective and improved outcomes as far as managing the country’s borders is concerned.

The Kassena-Nankana West District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Gerard Ataogye in a welcome address earlier commended NADMO and the IOM for bringing on board all the requisite border agencies and other partner organisations for the simulation and urged the officers involved to keep the spirit and momentum alive and always hold themselves in readiness; for no one can predict for certain, when an emergency will present itself.

The DCE also appealed to residents to remain vigilant all the time and volunteer credible intelligent information to the agencies to help protect the area and make  it conducive for all.

Source:  Peter Atogewe Wedam, Kassena-Nankana West District Information Officer