On October 9, 2024m the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), in a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability, officially launched its Service Delivery Charter. The event, presided over by NDMA Director-General, Lieutenant-General Brima Sesay, marks a pivotal moment for the agency, as the charter is designed to set clear guidelines for disaster management and response services across the country.
The Director-General, addressing the attendees, emphasized the importance of the Service Delivery Charter in preventing confusion and overlapping roles during emergencies. “The charter clearly outlines the responsibilities of the NDMA, ensuring a coordinated and efficient response to disasters,” he noted. Since its establishment in June 2020, and its formal launch in November 2020, the NDMA has been instrumental in responding to over 50,000 disaster-affected victims nationwide.
Lt. Gen.(Rtd) Brima Sesay the Director General of NDMA also highlighted the charter’s role in promoting transparency, describing it as a “contract” between the agency and the citizens. “It provides clear expectations for service delivery and ensures that the public can hold the agency accountable if standards fall short,” he added.
The NDMA has played a critical role in managing disasters, from natural calamities to emergencies across the nation. The charter aims to further strengthen these efforts by enhancing coordination with other agencies and improving overall response time.
Additionally, the Director-General expressed deep gratitude to Professor Demise of Bournemouth University, a strategic partner of the NDMA, praising the professor for his unwavering support and collaboration, noting that Bournemouth University has been a key partner in promoting evidence-based research and best practices in disaster management.
Lt. Gen. Brima Sesay concluded by reaffirming NDMA’s commitment to continuous improvement, drawing inspiration from global best practices, and ensuring that the Service Delivery Charter remains a dynamic and evolving document that meets the needs of the public.
The launch of the Service Delivery Charter solidifies the NDMA’s position as a leader in disaster management across Africa, and sets a benchmark for other institutions in the region.