The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), successfully conducted a simulation exercise (SIMEX) in Paga, at the Ghana-Burkina Faso border.
The SIMEX aimed to test the preparedness and response capacity of humanitarian actors, governmental agencies, and local communities in managing cross-border emergencies, given the rising number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in West Africa due to political instability, climate change, and extremist violence.
According to IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) data from February 2024, as of December 2023, 7.9 million people were displaced by conflict and violence across West and Central Africa. Notably, Burkina Faso and Nigeria were among the worst affected, with 2.1 million and 3.4 million IDPs, respectively. Political tensions have also destabilized Togo, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire, further heightening the region’s vulnerability to displacement.
Speaking during the exercise, IOM Ghana Chief of Mission, Ms. Fatou Diallo Ndiay, emphasized IOM’s readiness to support Ghana in ensuring the safety of its borders and people. “The successful completion of the SIMEX marks a significant step towards enhancing the capacity of Ghana and its neighboring countries to manage large-scale population displacements effectively,” she said.
NADMO Deputy Director General, Mr. Mahama Saibu Mumuni, also highlighted the importance of the exercise, particularly given the volatile regional situation. “With thousands of displaced persons crossing into Ghana, an effective, well-coordinated inter-agency response is crucial,” he stated.
The need for such coordination has been evident from recent events. In November 2020, nearly 1,000 people fled into Ghana from Côte d’Ivoire due to election-related violence, and earlier this year, over 4,000 Burkinabes sought refuge in Ghana due to military actions in Burkina Faso. These incidents underscored the urgent need for a coherent and comprehensive approach to managing displaced populations and their impact on host communities.
The SIMEX brought together approximately 500 participants, including 300 community members and 200 local stakeholders. Representatives from the Upper East Regional Security Council, Border Security Council, NADMO, local NGOs, UN agencies (IOM, UNHCR), and the media participated in the exercise, alongside security agencies.
The exercise was preceded by various activities, including training for key stakeholders and community sensitizations, all aimed at enhancing readiness.
In a joint statement, Mr. Richard Amo Yartey, Head of the EOC, and Honourable Gerard Ataogye, District Chief Executive for Kassena Nankana West District, praised the collaboration between local and international actors, stating that the SIMEX strengthened coordination among all stakeholders. They emphasized that sustaining this teamwork is essential for future preparedness.
The lessons learned from this simulation exercise will help refine contingency plans, ensuring a timely and coordinated response to future humanitarian crises in the region.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
