In a significant move to enhance disaster resilience, the Government of Ghana, in collaboration with the National Insurance Commission (NIC), the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), unveils the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) Contingency Plan. This document outlines a comprehensive framework for responding to flood-related emergencies in one of Ghana’s most flood-prone regions. 

Supported by UNDP’s Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF), the plan operationalizes the innovative parametric flood risk insurance solutions in the event of a disaster occurring. The Contingency Plan enables rapid financial response following major flood events in GAMA, ensuring swift resource allocation to essential recovery in sectors such as food relief, emergency shelter, health services, and critical infrastructure restoration.

“This milestone is a result of strong partnerships. UNDP is committed to supporting the government in operationalizing the parametric flood risk insurance to protect vulnerable communities. The Contingency Plan seeks to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience in Ghana by ensuring swift and targeted responses to protect the most vulnerable populations in the face of increasing climate risks and build climate-resilient communities”, noted Abdul-Razak Saeed, Head of Environment and Climate of UNDP Ghana.

The Contingency Plan compliments and builds on Ghana’s existing National Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Emergency Response Plans, which provide a robust, coordinated framework to address floods and other hazards. NADMO leads these efforts, focusing on early warning systems, community-based disaster risk reduction, and infrastructure resilience. With a bespoke Contingency Plan, the protection of the most vulnerable urban populations is prioritized in the event of a catastrophic flooding event.

Mr. Kofi Andoh, the Acting Commissioner of Insurance, emphasized the plan's importance in safeguarding lives and property: "The implementation of this contingency plan will ensure that we have a robust response mechanism in place. This initiative is crucial for the insurance industry as it aligns with risk management frameworks, enhancing resilience and supporting sustainable urban development”.

The plan underscores that GAMA faces heightened flood risks due to rapid urbanization, inadequate drainage systems, and climate change. Past GAMA flood situations, particularly the catastrophic 2015 event, illustrate the region's vulnerability, resulting in significant loss of lives, properties, and economic damage. Therefore, the FCP emphasizes proactive risk assessment and mitigation strategies to minimize such devastating impacts. It outlines a clear organizational structure to support these efforts, detailing roles for national, regional, and local stakeholders. This multi-tiered approach ensures well-coordinated response efforts, with NADMO at the helm of affairs. Collaboration with government bodies, NGOs, and community organizations is integral to the plan's success.

“The government is commitment to disaster risk reduction. This contingency plan is a testament to our dedication to building a safer, more resilient Accra. It represents a proactive approach to mitigating the socio-economic impacts of flooding and ensuring sustainable urban growth. This innovative parametric insurance solution will provide rapid financial responses to support vulnerable communities affected by floods, ensuring swift recovery and minimizing economic losses " Hon. Dr. Stephen Amoah, Deputy Minister of Finance

The FCP is a key component of the parametric flood risk insurance scheme, for GAMA specifically designed to provide rapid liquidity during severe flood events. Funds are to be disbursed through a transparent process to support essential services, including food relief, emergency shelter, and infrastructure restoration, with a focus on prioritizing the most affected populations. To ensure aid reaches those who need it most, beneficiary targeting forms a cornerstone of the plan. Pre-event assessments identify at-risk communities, facilitating timely support, while post-event validations reinforce accountability and transparency.

“This contingency plan will go a long way to strengthen our ability to respond to flood emergencies effectively, minimizing risks and ensuring timely support for affected communities and build a more resilient region. A demonstration of emergency response procedures outlined in the plan, showcasing its practical application in disaster scenarios is part of a broader strategy to implement climate adaptation measures and promote inclusivity across Ghana” said, Eric Nana Agyemang-Prempeh, Director-General of NADMO

The document includes a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework that plays a crucial role in assessing the FCP’s effectiveness. The framework prioritizes gender-disaggregated data collection and tracks progress against clear indicators including those that promote inclusivity and resilience of the population in general. This approach guarantees that interventions address the unique needs of all community members. Regular evaluations will help refine the plan, fostering iterative improvements and adaptive responses to emerging challenges.

This GAMA Flood Contingency Plan represents a significant advancement in building a resilient and responsive Greater Accra. Through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, the plan aims to safeguard lives, fortify infrastructure, and empower communities to withstand the challenges posed by disasters such as flooding.