The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and supported by the Government of Japan, has launched an Artificial Intelligence-powered WhatsApp chatbot aimed at enhancing disaster risk communication and preparedness against floods and droughts in Ghana.
Developed by UNESCO and officially handed over to NADMO at a ceremony in Accra, the chatbot operates through the WhatsApp number 0204833556. Mr. Edmond Moukala, UNESCO Ghana Country Director, described the initiative as a crucial step in overcoming the “last mile” challenge in disaster communication, ensuring timely and accurate information reaches citizens.
The chatbot is part of the project “Strengthening Resilience to Water-Related Disasters under Climate Change for a Sustainable Society in Ghana” and is designed specifically to address the dual threats of floods and droughts, which have increasingly affected communities due to climate change. Ghana has in recent years experienced significant climate-related disasters, including floods in 2023 that displaced over 35,000 people and destroyed critical infrastructure, as well as a major drought in 2024 affecting more than one million people and causing substantial agricultural losses.
Mr. Moukala emphasized that the choice of WhatsApp as a platform was intentional, citing its widespread usage and familiarity among Ghanaians. In emergency situations where every minute counts, the chatbot will provide real-time forecasts and alerts, verified guidance, and coordination support for emergency responses. It will guide users on actions to take before, during, and after floods, prepare for droughts and water shortages, and interpret official disaster alerts.
Beyond information dissemination, the platform allows two-way communication, enabling communities to report hazards, ask questions, and provide real-time data to disaster management authorities. Mr. Moukala urged government agencies, local authorities, media, community leaders, and the public to actively use and promote the chatbot to strengthen preparedness and resilience against climate-related disasters.
Major (Rtd) Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, Director-General of NADMO, highlighted the organization’s transition from manual operations to digitalized, automated processes to enhance efficiency and impact. He praised UNESCO and the Government of Japan for their pivotal support in realizing the initiative. Dr. Kuyon underlined that timely information is vital in disaster management and that the AI-powered platform will be a key tool in effective prevention, preparedness, and rapid response. He called on all disaster management stakeholders in Ghana to integrate the chatbot into daily operations.