Disaster Response and Preparedness

When disasters strike, we are often among the first to respond, working hand in hand with communities to save lives, reduce suffering, and support recovery.

As part of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network, we combine strong local presence with international support to deliver timely and effective humanitarian action.

We believe disaster response should be “as local as possible and as international as necessary.” Our volunteers and branches across Ghana lead response efforts on the ground, supported by the IFRC, ICRC and other partners when larger needs arise.

Through the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF), we have accessed and can access rapid funding to respond to emergencies when local resources are limited.

This fund ensures that help reaches communities quickly, often within days, and supports both anticipatory action (to reduce risks before disaster hits) and immediate response when crises occur.

Beyond emergency response, we focus on preparedness, helping communities build resilience to future hazards. This includes training volunteers, promoting early warning systems, and supporting local disaster risk reduction initiatives. Our goal is to ensure that every community is better equipped to protect lives and livelihoods.

When needed, we can draw on Emergency Response Units (ERUs) from the IFRC network, specialized teams that provide essential services such as water and sanitation, health care, and logistics support.

All our operations follow the Red Cross Code of Conduct and Disaster Law principles, ensuring that our work is ethical, transparent, and strengthens local capacity.

Through preparedness, rapid action, and community partnership, we continue to stand ready, always first to respond, and last to leave.