Ghana sustains annual economic losses approaching $200 million from natural disasters while climate-related events affect more than two million citizens each year, according to National Disaster Management Organisation Director-General Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon. The official revealed these figures during Tuesday's relaunch of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Risk Management in Accra, noting that damage equals nearly two percent of national GDP and emphasizing that prevention investments yield returns of approximately $5.50 for every dollar spent compared to response and recovery costs.
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction representative Isabel Njihia referenced World Bank projections indicating that over 4.3 million Ghanaians face exposure to century-level flooding events. Flood damage alone costs the nation roughly $100 million annually, a figure expected to double by 2050 without intervention. The 2023 Volta Basin flooding displaced more than 26,000 residents following heavy rainfall and dam releases.
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction representative Isabel Njihia referenced World Bank projections indicating that over 4.3 million Ghanaians face exposure to century-level flooding events. Flood damage alone costs the nation roughly $100 million annually, a figure expected to double by 2050 without intervention. The 2023 Volta Basin flooding displaced more than 26,000 residents following heavy rainfall and dam releases.
