By Eric Appah Marfo/Sandra Lartey
Accra, Nov.15, GNA—Mr Henry Quartey, Minister for the Interior, has suggested the use of human interventions to prevent bushfires caused by human actions and inactions.
“I dare say that if bushfires are caused by human actions and inactions, then they can equally be prevented by the reverse of said actions and inactions,” he said.
The Minister was speaking at the National Launch of the 2024/2025 Bushfire Prevention Campaign organised by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in Accra.
The event which was on the theme: “Effective Bushfire Prevention: Stakeholders’ Role in Ensuring a Greener Tomorrow”, seeks to create awareness on the causes of bushfires, the attendant effects on lives and livelihoods, and ways to prevent them.
As part of the event, the Minister commissioned a Wildfire Rapid Intervention Vehicle donated by the Fire Aid and International Development, UK, together with 19 pick-up vehicles and four Command vehicles (3 Prados and 1 Landcruiser) from the Government.
Mr Quartey said the rapid intervention vehicle, specially designed to suit Ghana’s needs was their latest donation to the GNFS after a similar one in 2022 and 2023, adding that the vehicle would be used to fight bushfires and ensure the safety of farmlands and vegetations.
He said the Government was open to partnerships from UK Aid and philanthropists who had Ghana at heart.
The Minister said the GNFS had worked hard over the years to keep the forests and farmlands safe by responding to all bushfire incidents and had also intensified its educational drive by engaging the public through all available channels, such as social media, traditional media and one-on-one community-based education.
He urged citizens to avail themselves of the teachings and safety messages being churned out by the Fire Service to prevent bushfires.
“The acquisition of Fire Service TV, which transmits fire safety data and educational content, is a new addition, which has given a bigger boost to the goal of bringing fire safety to the dull selves of the public. We also have the benefit of the service of over 6,000 fire volunteers who have been trained by the Ghana National Fire Service to assist us in managing bushfires in our communities.”
He lauded the GNFS for their role in achieving Ghana’s socio-economic development agenda and encouraged fire volunteers to continue sacrificing for the nation.
Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Julius A. Kuunuor said since 2002, personnel of GNFS and the country had benefitted immensely from the training and rescue equipment donated through the partnership with the World Rescue Organisation (WRO), United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) and the FIRE AID and International Development, UK.
He said recent donations from the Fire Aid and International Development included firefighting equipment valued at £197,609 in 2022, followed by items worth £16,480 in 2023 and an additional shipment of Extrication Tools and other firefighting equipment worth £113,000 awaiting clearance at the Tema Port.
The CFO said the Wildfire Rapid Intervention Vehicle would bolster their efforts tremendously, enabling quicker, more efficient responses to bushfires, especially in fire-prone areas and expressed appreciation for the donation.
He said bushfire prevention not only protected lives and property but preserved ecosystems, reduced carbon emissions, and secured resources for future generations.
The CFO called on citizens to act with purpose and urgency, recognising that their contributions today were investments in a greener, safer, and more sustainable Ghana for tomorrow.
He said about 99 per cent of bushfires were human-induced caused either deliberately or non-deliberately through hunting, festivals, arson (revenge, inability to pay for a loan, personal scores), pasture Management, palm wine tapping, smoking, amongst others.
The remaining one per cent is because of natural causes such as lightning, sparks from falling rocks especially in the hilly areas and spontaneous combustion.
CFO Kuunuor said the damage and destruction caused by bushfires retrogressed all individual and collective efforts put into nation building.
He said the GNFS, and stakeholders would continue to re-strategise with innovative ways to prevent and control bushfire outbreaks
The CFO said one of the major strategies was to organise public fire education programmes on bushfires to create and sustain national awareness on the need to prevent and control bushfires.
He urged Ghanaians to join the campaign with unwavering commitment and act urgently to curb rural fires and secure a sustainable future.
Representing the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Ebenezer Nartey, former Member of Parliament, Ablekuma Central, said bush fire prevention was every citizen’s responsibility.
He called for intensified education and the provision of resources to fire volunteers to carry out their tasks with ease.
“I call on all Ghanaians to reflect on their role in fire prevention. Irrespective of who you are, there is a role you can play. Let us all stand in unity on this mission and make a great impact,” he added.
GNA