The Director General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Major (Rtd.) Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, has paid a courtesy call on the Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Salisu Issifu Be-Awuribe, as part of his working visit to the region.
The visit aimed to gather firsthand information on the recent conflict in the area and its impact on the local population.
The Director General was accompanied by senior NADMO officials, including Mr. Ahmed-Rufai Aggudey, Deputy Director for Technical; Mr. Maxwell Niber, Director of Man-Made Disasters; Mr. Amoh Yartey, Director of Inspectorate; and Mr. Mahama Zakaria, the Savannah Regional Director.
Welcoming the delegation, the Regional Minister briefed the NADMO leadership on the conflict, which began on 24th August 2025, arising from a land ownership dispute.
He explained that the disturbances had caused significant displacement; some affected persons are currently living with relatives, while others have moved into camps or fled further south, with a number crossing into Côte d’Ivoire.
Hon. Be-Awuribe expressed appreciation to NADMO for its swift response and highlighted how relief assistance had been used to ease the plight of displaced persons.
He also provided updated information on displaced populations, noting that the numbers are constantly changing due to the ongoing movement of people. He mentioned that some individuals have used the camps as transit points before departing the region or leaving the country.
The Minister further outlined some of the challenges confronting the region, including inadequate mobility resources, lack of life jackets and engine boats for disaster response, and the need for additional support to manage the crisis effectively.
In response, Major (Rtd.) Dr. Kuyon assured the Minister of NADMO’s commitment to addressing the challenges despite resource constraints. He also enquired about ongoing peace efforts and the reintegration of displaced persons.
The Minister indicated that while measures had been put in place to calm tensions, reintegration would be a gradual and cautious process to avoid further escalation.
Later in the day, the Director General, accompanied by the Regional Minister and his team, paid a courtesy call on the King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, the Yagbonwura. Major (Rt.) Dr. Kuyon appealed to the traditional leader to use his influence to help restore peace and stability in the area.
Describing the visit as “an eye-opener”, Dr. Kuyon reaffirmed NADMO’s readiness to collaborate with traditional authorities, regional leadership, and the government to ensure peace, stability, and the safe return of all displaced persons.
The Yagbonwura welcomed the leadership of NADMO and expressed his commitment to peace. As a gesture of goodwill and dedication to conflict resolution, he presented a white smock to the Director General of NADMO.
