Sekondi, Dec. 10, GNA - The Western Regional Minister, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, on Thursday asked the public to give priority to disaster management since the phenomenon could attack anyone irrespective of political affiliation or socio-economic status. Mr Aidoo was addressing participants who took part in a disaster management in Takoradi, dubbed: "Exercise Exodus," organised by the Ghana Armed Forces.

It was designed to train and evaluate the preparedness and readiness of stakeholders in dealing with floods, fire, air crashes and other emergency situations.

The theme for the two-day training exercise was:"Enhancing multi-agency preparedness for effective disaster management in the Western Region." The participants were drawn from the National Disaster Management Organisation, Ghana National Fire Service, Volta River Authority, the security agencies and other stakeholders. Mr Aidoo noted that disasters had over the years been a major global concern leading to loss of lives, property as well as huge financial expenditure to countries.

He said even though it was impossible to prevent the occurrences of most disasters, with training, it was possible to minimise or mitigate their effects.

"Disaster management is an area where a multi-agency and collective international response is often required," Mr Aidoo said. He said partnership and co-operation among stakeholders would make a significant difference in the country's ability to deal with disaster.