Though NADMO could not provide figures for the previous months, however, it indicated that the figure represented a marginal rise in disasters compared to previous months.

NADMO attributed the phenomenon largely to drownings caused by stagnant pools of water formed by illegal mining activities, despite ongoing regional reclamation efforts.

Mr Kwesi Dawood, the Regional Director of NADMO revealed this at its monthly press briefing aimed to update the public on disaster preparednes and prevention efforts in the region.

According to him, the disasters affected 15 of the 22 districts, and primarily involved commercial and domestic fires, building collapses, road accidents, flooding and drowning. He expressed regret over the increased cases of drowning in uncovered manholes and abandoned construction pits, particularly in suburban areas.

Mr Dawood highlighted a recent tragic incident in the Gomoa East District, where an eight-year-old child drowned at Blue Rose Estate, with another child hospitalised at Buduburam in the Gomoa East District.

Providing further details, he listed significant incidents including commercial fires at Pedu in Cape Coast Metropolis, a building collapse at Nsaba in Agona East, road accidents at Nyakrom in Agona West and flooding in Abura Dunkwa within the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District.

Other reported disasters included domestic fires in Kasoa, Buduburam, Ekumfi, Asempanaye in Assin North, as well as drowning cases in Upper- Denkyira- West as well as road accidents there.

Assin North recorded the highest disaster toll with 15 domestic fire cases involving adults and children, followed closely by Awutu Senya East and Twifo Atti-Morkwa with 11 each.

Conversely, Cape Coast Metropolis, Upper- Denkyira- West, and Gomoa East were among the least affected areas, with domestic fires dominating the incidents there.

Mr Dawood assured the public of NADMO’s continued partnership with the Ghana National Fire Service to intensify fire safety awareness campaigns throughout communities and public information centres in preparation for the dry season.

These initiatives, he said would focus on bushfire prevention, electrical safety, proper fire extinguisher use, good housekeeping and emergency readiness.

The Regional Director of NADMO issued a directive to all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, as well as Sub-metro Disaster Management Committees, to strictly enforce safety measures requiring developers within their jurisdictions to cover unused manholes and abandoned pits immediately.

He also called on Assemblies to sustain aggressive public education efforts in communities, schools, and religious institutions, encouraging residents to report hazards or emergencies promptly by calling 112 or the designated NADMO emergency lines at 0291901123 and 0291902013.