The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), in collaboration with UNESCO and with support from the government of Japan, has launched an artificial intelligence-powered WhatsApp chatbot aimed at improving disaster risk communication and enhancing preparedness for floods and droughts in Ghana.
Developed by UNESCO and officially handed over to NADMO at a ceremony in Accra, the chatbot operates through WhatsApp number 0204833556. Mr. Edmond Mokala, UNESCO Director for Ghana, called the initiative an important step in overcoming the "last mile" problem in disaster communication, providing timely and accurate information to citizens.
The chatbot is part of the "Enhancing Resilience to Water-related Disasters under Climate Change for a Sustainable Society in Ghana" project and is specifically designed to address the dual threat of floods and droughts, which are increasingly affecting communities due to climate change. In recent years, Ghana has experienced severe climate disasters, including floods in 2023 that forced more than 35,000 people to leave their homes and destroyed key infrastructure, as well as a severe drought in 2024 that affected more than a million people and caused significant damage to agriculture.
Mr. Mukala emphasized that the choice of WhatsApp as a platform was deliberate, citing its widespread use and familiarity among Ghanaians. In emergency situations where every minute matters, the chatbot will provide real-time forecasts and warnings, verified guidance, and coordination support in emergency responses. It will guide users through actions before, during, and after floods, help prepare for droughts and water shortages, and explain official disaster warnings.
Beyond information dissemination, the platform enables two-way communication, allowing communities to report hazards, ask questions, and provide real-time data to emergency management authorities. Mukala called on government agencies, local authorities, media, community leaders, and the public to actively use and promote the chatbot to strengthen preparedness and resilience to climate disasters.
NADMO Director General, retired Major Dr. Joseph Bikani Kuyun, emphasized the organization's transition from manual operations to digital and automated processes to improve efficiency and impact. He praised the support of UNESCO and the government of Japan in implementing the initiative. Dr. Kuyun stressed that timely information is vital in disaster management, and that the artificial intelligence-based platform will become a key tool for effective prevention, preparedness, and rapid response. He called on all stakeholders in disaster management in Ghana to integrate the chatbot into their daily work.