Several staff of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) say they have gone almost 11 months without salaries, raising deep concerns about welfare, morale, and the organisation’s operational efficiency. The revelation was made on the Ghanakoma Morning Show on Akoma 87.9 FM in Kumasi, where the Head of Communications at NADMO, Harrison Kojo Abbah, shed light on the worsening conditions of service.

Speaking on Thursday, December 4, Mr. Abbah described the situation as “nothing to write home about,” noting that many district directors and staff across the country have not been paid for close to a year. He further revealed that NADMO employees work without a formal document outlining their terms and conditions of service.

According to him, the absence of career progression, promotions, and a proper salary structure has triggered a growing wave of staff resignations.

“There is no formal document explaining conditions of service for our staff members. Most of them are leaving due to poor salary structure and the absence of career progression,” he lamented.

Despite the severe challenges, Mr. Abbah emphasized that NADMO continues to deliver on its mandate. He highlighted the successful implementation of the organisation’s anti-flood emergency response plan this year, which involved coordinated operational strategies by district and regional teams to prevent the usual widespread flooding.

However, he warned that the organisation’s financial sustainability is under threat, stating that the current budget allocation is far from adequate.

“The fund is not sustainable… but we have measures to request emergency support when needed,” he added.

The prolonged non-payment of salaries has raised alarm among analysts and civil society groups, who fear it could compromise the integrity of NADMO’s operations. Experts caution that unpaid workers may be vulnerable to pilfering relief items meant for disaster victims as a means of survival, potentially undermining public trust in the institution.

As the situation persists, many are calling for urgent government intervention to stabilize conditions at NADMO and safeguard the organisation responsible for protecting lives and property during national emergencies.